Young Fruit Grower Cream of the Crop

Young Fruit Grower Cream of the Crop

The title of Bay of Plenty’s Young Fruit Grower was awarded to kiwifruit grower Campbell Wood, aged 21 from Tauranga, last night.

The prize giving was held at Bay Park Stadium, Mount Maunganui and was the culmination of a day-long competition involving a variety of practical and theoretical challenges which tested skills essential to success in the horticulture industry.

Campbell wins a cash prize of $1500 and the opportunity to compete for the Young Grower of the Year title at the national competition, held in conjunction with the Horticulture New Zealand conference, later this year.

Campbell said the experience was a truly rewarding one. “It was great to be able to show my family, friends and workmates how much I’ve learnt during my time as a grower. I think I’ve really proved myself and I’m looking forward to competing at the national competition in July.”

Second place went to Hayden Russell, Todd Martelli placed third and James Van Iperen came fourth, all contestants are local Tauranga residents. Campbell was also awarded the prize for best speech on the night.

Mike Chapman, Competition Coordinator says that the regional competition offers young people in the industry a chance to prove their talent and gain recognition for their efforts. “It’s an opportunity to celebrate excellence in the young people we have working in horticulture. Young growers like Campbell prove that the horticulture industry is in safe hands for the future.”

This will be the third year that the national Young Grower competition will be held. Run by Horticulture New Zealand, the competition is supported by Platinum Sponsor ZESPRI International and others, who recognise and celebrate young leaders in the horticulture industry who have both excellent technical skills and leadership capabilities.

ENDS

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