Formerly the Eastern Horticultural Field Days, the new partnership is said to signal a sharing of expertise, knowledge and research specific to the Horticulture Industry.
 
Brent Linn, General Manager of the Hawke’s Bay A&P Society, organisers of the event, says, “The partnership is great for us and for Massey. We can provide a place for Massey to showcase their science and technology and a forum for World-class experts to share their research. It’s great for the Horticulture industry to have access to this knowledge.”
 
Education and Horticultural career opportunities will also be a strong focus at the event going forward as the industry puts emphasis on the need for highly skilled workforce, to meet its projections of being a $10 billion industry by 2020.  
 
“A clear driver for us as organisers is focussing on education and showcasing success stories from the industry. With an aging demographic its imperative we get more highly skilled young people involved in this innovative, exciting industry. We need people across a range of areas – business, science, market analysis and finance, not just production” Linn says.
 
Plans are already underway for a seminar to be held at the Field Day, targeted at North Island Secondary School heads, to highlight the career opportunities Horticulture provides for our young people. The event will include representatives from government, industry, education providers and business.
 
It’s hoped that by showcasing the importance of this industry to New Zealand in export dollar receipts, will help to alter the sometimes-negative perception of a career in Horticulture.  
 
Event organisers say they will be making announcements in the coming months regarding speakers for the popular Seminar Series held at the Field Day. Being election year, it is expected there will be a representation from the major political parties.
 
The National Horticultural Field Day creates an opportunity for business leaders and key Horticultural players from around New Zealand, both vegetable and Pipfruit, to come together and discuss prominent issues facing their industry.
 
“This is event is in a real growth phase and we have great plans for this year’s event – bringing together great speakers, topical research, education, trade and a good dose of entertainment. Its one to put in the calendar” says Linn.