Wairarapa wine-maker wins 2012 Young Horticulturist of the Year
Young Wairarapa viticulturist Braden Crosby won the Young Horticulturist of the Year, as well as second place in the Agmardt Innovation Award on Thursday evening. “It was a long two days and a great experience,”
said the winner of $11,500 worth of prizes including a $7,500 travel package.
His entry into the Agmardt innovation award is a frost windmill blade system that can also be used for electricity generation. The judge’s noted that the project was delivered with real professionalism.
“The project’s taken me out of my comfort zone with technical areas and I’ve had to approach people for help during my research and development,” says Braden.
Andrew Scott won the Agmardt Innovation Award with his project that takes undersized potatoes and processes them into dried potato flake. The judges commented that the project was thoroughly thought through and applauded him for looking at grower profitability. Agmardt are also encouraging
Andrew to apply for an in-market grant. Nathan Flowerday of Agmardt adds; “The innovation prize isn’t just about the $5000,we’re eagar to see Andrew’s concept brought to market and the next natural step is a feasibility study which could be funded through an Agmardt grant.”After presenting his prize, Nathan Flowerday also offered to mentor Andrew.
Six finalists representing their industry sectors were judged on their knowledge and skills across floristry, gardening, landscaping, viticulture, amenity planting and horticulture. Their business planning and presentation skills were put to the test through interviews, computer based activities and speeches.
Speaking on the night, horticulture industry experts emphasised the importance of smart young people with drive, determination and attitude to take the sector forward and in so doing help to develop New
Zealand’s place in the world economy.
The competition, managed by the RNZIH Education Trust on behalf of the sponsors including Agmardt, Fruitfed Supplies, and Turners and Growers is designed to develop the finalists’ skills and knowledge and enhance their career opportunities in the horticulture industry.
For further information, photos of the event or to contact the finalists please
contact: Elenka Nikoloff, RNZIH Education Trust : [email protected] Mobile: 0276 332858
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