EDUCATION

It is estimated the industry will need another 2,000 permanent employees and 4,000 seasonal employees within the next few years. This future growth is dependent on the ability to attract and retain young people who are highly skilled and enthusiastic and develop them to become our industry’s future leaders.

Bay of Plenty Young Grower competition aims to inspire and acknowledge the talents of young people employed in the fruit and vegetable sectors in the Bay of Plenty. We have some of the best fruit and vegetables in the country, so it goes without saying that there are also a number of very talented young fruit and vegetable growers in the region. In 2024, the competition will be held on the morning of July 17th, followed by an awards/gala dinner in the evening.

“The Bay of Plenty Young Grower is a fun-filled and challenging full day event in which contestants undertake a range of horticultural related theoretical and practical activities. To round off the day there will be a dinner where contestants participate in a speech competition and awards will be presented to the winners. The competitions have an emphasis on practical production (on or close to orchard/farm) skills and business skills associated with growing and industry knowledge.”

– Bryce Morrison, Contestant Liaison

More information can be found on the Bay of Plenty Young Grower Website. If you would like to take part in this year’s event (sponsor, activity provider or contestant) email Sam Moa or call 07 574 7139.