Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Video | Agriculture | Confidence | Economy | Energy | Employment | Finance | Media | Property | RBNZ | Science | SOEs | Tax | Technology | Telecoms | Tourism | Transport | Search

 

"I Can’t Imagine Myself Anywhere But Horticulture", Bay Of Plenty Young Grower Of The Year

Melissa van den Heuvel, an Industry Systems Associate at NZ Avocado, has been named Bay of Plenty’s Young Grower for 2020 at an awards dinner in Tauranga.

The competition took place last Saturday, 8 February, at Te Puke Showgrounds, where the eight competitors tested their skills and ability to run a successful orchard in a series of challenges. These were followed by a speech competition discussing ‘how can we as growers be better members of the wider community’ at the gala dinner on Wednesday night.

Melissa also excelled in individual challenges, including the Horticultural Biosecurity challenge and Avocado Tree Planting challenge, and especially impressed judges with her speech on passing knowledge to future generations.

Emily Crum came in second place, while Megan Fox was third.

Melissa’s prize includes an all-expenses paid trip to Wellington to compete for the title of national Young Grower of the Year 2020 in August, as well as $1,500 cash.

Melissa entered the BOP Young Grower competition as she believes it is a great way to further her knowledge about the industry she says she is so fortunate to be a part of.

Andrew Dawson, Chair of the BOP Young Growers Upskilling says the passion shown by the contestants is what makes this annual event so special.

"These bright young people coming into our industry are hungry to learn and build their careers in horticulture. It’s a real privilege to give them this space to shine - their drive and the great support from our industry partners is what keeps people coming back to this event year after year."

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Inc. CEO Nikki Johnson agrees, and says that these competitions are an important highlight for the horticulture industry.

"The potential that Melissa and the other contestants have shown over the competition make me confident that the future of the horticulture industry is in good hands."

"The horticulture industry is experiencing challenges as sectors such as kiwifruit and avocado rapidly grow, and upcoming leaders such as those that we have seen at this competition will be well needed as we move into an exciting future."

Melissa will go on to compete in the national Young Grower of the Year competition, run by Horticulture New Zealand. There, she will join the winners of the Pukekohe, Nelson, Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne, and Central Otago regional competitions, to compete for the national title of Young Grower 2020, proudly sponsored by the Horticentre Charitable Trust.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Business Headlines | Sci-Tech Headlines

 
GenPro: General Practices Begin Issuing Clause 14 Notices

GenPro has been copied into a rising number of Clause 14 notices issued since the NZNO lodged its Primary Practice Pay Equity Claim against General Practice employers in December 2023.More

SPADA: Screen Industry Unites For Streaming Platform Regulation & Intellectual Property Protections

In an unprecedented international collaboration, representatives of screen producing organisations from around the world have released a joint statement.More

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.