The Central Otago Young Grower of the Year competition is fast approaching and entries need to be in by Sunday April 30.

The competition is a valuable opportunity for young people working in the fruit and vegetable industries to test their horticulture knowledge and skills, grow professional connections, and gain industry exposure.

Many Central orchards are represented by their youngest and perhaps most energetic employees to vie for the title. 

Entrants will compete in a day of fun and practical activities such as irrigation, tractor and machinery operation, pest and disease identification, and first aid at Central Otago Campus (Horticulture Training facility) in Cromwell on May 26.  

Last year’s winner Jacob said working on an orchard could be isolating at times, but competitions such as this were awesome as they brought everyone together.

Entrants need to have a minimum of three years experience in horticulture, and be aged 30 or under at December 21, 2023.  

The regional winner will head to the national Young Grower of the Year final in Pukekohe on October 4-5.

Young Grower of the Year is an annual competition run by Horticulture New Zealand to find the best young fruit or vegetable grower in the country.

Finalists are made up of the winners of the four regional Young Fruit Grower competitions and the winner of the NZ Young Vegetable Grower.

Visit www.younggrower.co.nz to enter.