James Blair Named 2026 Young Grower of the Year
The potato industry is celebrating the success of two rising stars - James Blair, the 2026 Young Grower of the Year and runner-up and innovation award winner, Amber Davy.
He has been identified by industry leaders as a shining example of the exceptional young talent in the $5 billion horticultural sector.
Hutchinson, a technical support advisor at AS Wilcox & Sons secured the national title after pitting his skills, knowledge and experience against four other regional winners. He won the title of Young Vegetable Grower earlier this year.
The Young Grower of the Year competition is run by Horticulture New Zealand and is now in its 10th year. HortNZ chief executive, Mike Chapman, says Hutchinson had a bright future ahead of him and exemplified the capability of young people in today's rapidly growing horticultural industry.
Chapman is 28. Originally from Tauranga, he studied at Massey University earning a Bachelor of Applied Science majoring in horticulture. He joined AS Wilcox & Sons several years ago, before his OE. On his return to New Zealand he took up a new role as a technical support advisor focused on potatoes.
As well as taking home the national title, Chapman received top marks for three of the five challenges including best practical, best business, and innovation.
"I feel privileged to have won. The other growers are at the top of their game and it was a tough challenge. I am proud to be able to keep this award here in Pukekohe," says Chapman.
In something of a winning streak, last year's winner, Hamish Gates, also worked for AS Wilcox & Sons in Pukekohe.
"I learned a lot from the competition and have gained a huge amount of confidence in my ability as a grower. Hopefully my success will encourage other young people from across New Zealand to get into this great industry."
During the competition the finalists competed in a series of practical and theoretical challenges to test the skills needed to run a successful horticultural business. They also participated in a leadership panel discussion, before delivering a speech in front of the judges at tonight's dinner event, where Chapman's win was announced.
Second place was awarded to Chris Clement from the Bay of Plenty. Jack Gilchrist from Roxburgh came third. Tomas Dalziel from Nelson received top marks for his leadership skills on the leadership panel and Jordan James from Hawke's Bay received top marks for his speech.
Chapman says the aim of the competition was to foster excellence amongst young growers and future-proof the $5 billion horticultural industry that exports 60% of total production to about 124 countries.
"Many of our current horticultural farm and orchard owners will be retiring in the next 15 to 20 years so need good succession plans in place. It is heartening to see so many young talented horticulturalists out there who will be our industry leaders of the future."
