Finalists for the ‘Young Horticulturist of the Year’ Grand Final must first prove themselves in their industry sector competition. Over the coming months sector competitions will take place for: Landscaping New Zealand, NZ Winegrowers, Nursery and Garden Industry of New Zealand, Horticulture NZ (Vegetable and Fruit sectors) and NZ Recreation-Amenity Horticulture.

In the decade the competition’s been run, NZ Winegrower finalists have won the ‘Young Horticulturist of the Year’ title five times, with Nursery and Garden Industry finalists taking first place twice (2008 and 2013), and Horticulture NZ’s  Fruit and Vegetable sectors each winning once.

To enter this career-boosting competition, contestants must be 30 years of age or under and working in the horticulture industry.

 “We encourage those interested in entering a sector competition to ‘give it a go’, as competitors grow through the experience and learn valuable skills along the way,” explains Programme Manager, Elenka Nikoloff. “Each year finalists tell us that the competition experience is also an exceptional way to develop a network of contacts and to raise their profile with employers.”

2013 winner Kelly Jean Kerr says that it has widened her perspective from her job in the Nursery and Garden sector to what is happening in the wider industry.

Dr. Jacqueline Rowarth says that the horticulture industry is projected to create $3.5 billion worth of ‘delicious product’. She suggests that technology and market development are also part of the ever-more complex business of horticulture, which is operating within increasing regulations and uncertainty. “Getting everything right in the future from ‘block to bowl’ is going to take great people who are keen to learn more. It is also going to take great educators and superb leadership.”

The ‘Young Horticulturist of the Year’ winners have gone on to take management and leadership positions in the horticultural industry.   In addition, the 2007 winner (NZ Winegrowers) Emma Taylor’s winning AGMARDT Market Innovation project on aerial virus mapping has been developed and commercialised.

The 2013 AGMARDT Market Innovation Project winner Eliza Whalley’s stream-lined back pack sprayer design is now in development as is the 2013 ‘Young Horticulturist of the Year’ winner Kelly Jean Kerr’s AGMARDT project for an inspiring gardening app.

The RNZIH Educational Trust chairperson, Nicola Rochester, is delighted to have the continued support of their partners to the ‘Young Horticulturist of the Year’. “AGMARDT, Fruitfed Supplies and Turners & Growers are united in their commitment to the development of young, talented and emerging leaders within the horticultural industry,” she says.

In November, the six finalists line up for an impressive prize pool including more than $10,000 to the selected AGMARDT Market Innovation Project winners, a $7,500 travel and accommodation package, $5,500 Massey University study scholarship, $3,500 Turners & Growers travel grant, $2,500 Fruitfed Supplies Leadership grant, $3,000 Primary ITO Professional Development grant, $2,500 Bayer Crop Science scholarship and other products as prizes.

“Horticulture is vital for our long term economy and its health. It’s fantastic to have a cross section of smart, bright, young people, identified through the ‘Young Horticulturist of the Year’ competition,  who are going to make that happen,” says dedicated competition judge, Errol Hewett.

The ‘Young Horticulturist of the Year’ event takes place in Auckland on November 12 – 13 with winners announced at the Grand Final awards dinner at the Rendezvous Hotel, Auckland.

 ‘The Young Horticulturist of the Year’ competition is made possible through the generous support of the partners to the competition: AGMARDT, Fruitfed Supplies, and Turners & Growers. As well as the competition supporters: Bayer Crop Science, Countdown, Massey University, NZ Gardener magazine, NZ Winegrowers, Primary ITO.

For more information please contact Elenka Nikoloff, RNZIH Trust: e-mail; Mobile  027-633 2858. Visit: www.younghort.co.nz