Friday, 14 November 2014 13:54

Northland orchardist wins big

Written by 

PATRICK MALLEY from Northland was the big winner at last night's Young Horticulturist of the Year awards, taking home the top prize and three other awards.

The kiwifruit and avocado grower was one of five finalists, all under the age of 30 to compete in the grand final competition. Over two days contestants were expected to complete a range of activities including practical activities, computer management skills, presentation skills, and an interview by a panel of judges.


Leading up to the competition, they also had to complete a written business project known as the AGMARDT Market Innovation Project.


The final challenge was a three-minute speech outlining their vision for attracting extra people to horticulture to meet the government's goal of increasing qualified staff in the industry by 2025.


This is the first time most finalists have had to manage a project from beginning to end, requiring motivation and discipline along the way. Presenting their AGMARDT Market Innovation Project to a panel of judges was also new for them.


Malley took home a grand prize of $7,500 worth of travel and accommodation, the Primary ITO Career Development Award, as well as the Fruitfed Supplies Leadership Award. He also took first prize for the AGMARDT Market Innovation Project, with his traceability technology for kiwifruit.


Organisers said the aim of the competition was to nurture the interest and passion of the younger generations as well as showcase the industry.


"We want to encourage that passion from primary school all the way through to university and beyond, as it's an incredibly rewarding industry to be part of," says T&G executive general manager NZ, Andrew Keaney.

More like this

Horticulture exports hit $8.4B, surge toward $10B by 2029

A brilliant result and great news for growers and regional economies. That's how horticulture sector leaders are describing the news that sector exports for the year ended June 30 will reach $8.4 billion - an increase of 19% on last year and is forecast to hit close to $10 billion in 2029.

Featured

All eyes on NZ milk supply

All eyes are on milk production in New Zealand and its impact on global dairy prices in the coming months.

National

Machinery & Products

Tech might take time

Agritech Unleashed – a one-day event held recently at Mystery Creek, near Hamilton – focused on technology as an ‘enabler’…

John Deere acquires GUSS Automation

John Deere has announced the full acquisition of GUSS Automation, LLC, a globally recognised leader in supervised high-value crop autonomy,…

Fencing excellence celebrated

The Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand (FCANZ) celebrated the best of the best at the 2025 Fencing Industry Awards,…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

A step too far

OPINION: For years, the ironically named Dr Mike Joy has used his position at Victoria University to wage an activist-style…

Save us from SAFE

OPINION: A mate of yours truly has had an absolute gutsful of the activist group SAFE.

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter