Young growers need help

McBride told 400 people at the Bay of Plenty Young Grower of the Year competition of the need to develop young people and bring them through the industry.

It has a lot of physical assets, but the most important is people, he says.

"In developing our young people we are creating equity opportunities for them. There are models out there for encouraging our young people to become owners; [we can] and give them opportunity in our businesses either with capital or by helping them to secure loans."

McBride says with horticulture and tourism the fastest-growing industries in NZ that creates a world of opportunity for young people -- in management, post harvest, orchard management and roles in Zespri and in the horticultural services sector.

And there is also plenty of scope for people to start their own businesses, he says.

"The business environment has never been better for young people to flourish and take opportunities. Most of these come in periods of difficulty or downturn so these are also periods of high risk. But they have to take the opportunity when it comes and push the boat out and hope the water stays in the harbour."