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2013 YHY winner Kelly Jean Kerr
IN PREPARING for the 'Young Horticulturist of the Year' competition next week, the six finalists will stretch beyond the boundaries of horticulture.
In the lead up to the grand final the finalisits must complete the AGMARDT Market Innovation project. This written project, completed in their own time, will show that the competitors can develop an innovative product or service suitable for market.
"Finalists are encouraged to develop understanding of what is required to identify and analyse market innovation opportunities," says AGMARDT general manager Malcolm Nitschke.
This year's finalists' projects include a lateral attack on the wine industry's leafroller virus, traceability technology for kiwifruit, and gloves lined with titanium for winter warmth.
Paul Robinson is tackling the wine industry's problem of Leafroller Virus. 'Nip it in the Bud' Leafroller Virus indicator helps cuts out the time and cost of detecting the virus by grafting a bud of a red grape vine onto a white grape vine. Unlike the white, the red grape variety displays symptoms of the virus. As soon as leaf roller virus symptoms are detected the vine can be removed, limiting costly vine losses.
Horticulture NZ's Patrick Malley, has developed a project on traceability technology for kiwifruit. Through his project a consumer anywhere in the world will be able to scan kiwifruit packing cases to identify the orchard where the fruit grew.
Young Amenity winner Sarah Fenwick is taking on Southland's freezing conditions with her lightweight glove design. The durable, cost effective glove inner is made of titanium lined limestone neoprene to keep gardeners' fingers warm and nimble.
Other finalist projects include a nursery marketing campaign, a 'Guide Pro' for measuring sightlines and a reality television show aiming to increase flower sales in New Zealand.
The 10th annual 'Young Horticulturist of the Year' competition takes place in Auckland on November 12 – 13. The winner will receive a $7,500 travel and accommodation package, with second place getting a $5,500 Massey University study scholarship. The winners are announced during the grand final awards dinner on Thursday 13 November.
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Potatoes New Zealand is reflecting on its legacy of innovation, resilience and a commitment to growers as it gets ready to mark its birthday on 17th April.
Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) says a new report projects strong export growth for New Zealand's horticulture sector highlights the industry's increasing contribution to the national economy.
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.
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