Source: Horticulture New Zealand
Whether they’re a pipfruit technician, leading hand, or senior orchard foreman, the Hawke’s Bay 2023 Young Fruit Grower of the Year contestants have one thing in common – a passion to produce the best fruit possible.
The competition sees the region’s best young fruit producers embrace the opportunity to grow professionally and challenge themselves technically, through a two-day competition held at the Ranui Field and Toitoi Arts and Events Centre on 10 and 11 August.
The eight finalists announced are:
– Ben Jarvis – Mr Apple
– Danielle Sammons – Johnny Appleseed
– Jan Buter – T&G Global
– Karlee Ringia – Kiwi Crunch
– Nga Stanley – Craigmore Sustainables
– Shaye Tamatoa – Kiwi Crunch
– Sven Borgstrom – Rockit Management Services
– William Horsefield – Rockit Management Services.
Brydon Nisbet, President of the Hawke’s Bay Fruitgrowers’ Association says the nationwide Young Grower of the Year awards are exceptionally important for the horticulture industry.
“We want to support and reward rising talent and their quest to grow. These awards keep our industry united,” he says.
The Hawke’s Bay event is one of six Young Grower regional finals, held annually to select the top young fruit and vegetable grower in New Zealand. The regional finals take place in Pukekohe, Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, the Bay of Plenty, Nelson, and Central Otago. The six regional finalists go on to compete for the Young Grower of the Year title at the national final, this year in Pukekohe on 4-5 October.
The winner of the national Young Grower of the Year also can compete at the Young Horticulturist of the Year, run by the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture Education Trust.
“This year has been incredibly tough for our sector. We’re all in the same boat with similar adverse weather event and cyclone challenges. The Young Grower competition helps keep our younger growers motivated and positive. There’s a promising future for young growers and loads of opportunity in the industry,” says Brydon.
This year marks the 18 th year the Hawke’s Bay Fruitgrowers’ Association has held the event. Brydon says the association is grateful for the continued support of sponsors and industry, to support the next generation of leaders in horticulture, given the exceptionally challenging times.
