Blueberries Could Be NZ's Next $150m Horticultural Export
Blueberries have the potential to become a major horticultural export, earning up to $150 million within the next three to five years.
The four young growers competing for the title of Young Grower of the Year are Jos Bell, 27 from Nelson; Joel Wanhill, 24 from Bay of Plenty; Benjimen James, 28 from Hawkes Bay and Andrew Scott, 29 from mid Canterbury.
The growers will participate in a day-long event testing a range of practical and business skills such as driving a tractor, resource management, innovation and irrigation. There will be a Ballance Leadership Panel Session where the young growers will speak on their views on biosecurity and take part in an open discussion about the future of the horticulture industry.
The growers will also give a three minute speech to over 400 delegates at the Horticulture New Zealand annual conference dinner with the winner being announced later that evening.
This will be the fourth year of the Young Grower of the Year competition run by Horticulture New Zealand. The competition is supported by platinum sponsor NZ Horticentre Trust and others, who recognise and celebrate young leaders in the horticulture industry with both excellent technical skills and leadership capabilities.
Andrew Fenton, president of Horticulture New Zealand, is a strong advocate of the competition. "Horticulture New Zealand believes in celebrating excellence in our young people."
"These four growers have already demonstrated passion, direction and the potential to become significant contributors to our industry's future. I look forward to watching how their careers progress."
For more information about the Young Grower of the Year competition, please visit www.younggroweroftheyear.co.nz.
