Growing our way to a stronger future

Horticulture is a littletalked about sector in New Zealand, but there are 5,500 commercial fruit and vegetable growers in this country alone.

This diverse sector generates $5b for the economy, with 60 per cent of produce exported to 124 countries. But the pressures and threats to this valuable industry are growing.

According to research carried out last year for Horticulture NZ by the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme, growers are increasingly concerned about access to water, biosecurity, land availability and labour.

And the Royal Institute of Horticulture’s Education Trust (RIHET) said this week, that more young Kiwis were needed to roll up their sleeves and help save the environment, particularly our waterways, by pursuing careers that expanded horticulture as the higher value land use activity of choice.

Switching a proportion of employment from agriculture to horticulture is important for New Zealand to be able to cut emissions and reach environmental targets too.

Last month, the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) warned that New Zealand’s economic growth model was approaching its environmental limits. If the country is going to hold onto its reputation for quality foodstuffs and pristine environment, then there needs to be swift action to protect our food and water and also the success of other business sectors such as exports and tourism.

Chair of the RIHET’s ’Young Horticulturist of the Year 2017 Competition’, Elle Anderson, said: ‘‘Horticulture offers a career that makes a real difference to both this country’s environment and economy.

‘‘But if horticulture is to develop as this country’s premier economic activity, then we need a lot more bright young talent to make it happen.’’

Anderson was speaking before the launch of the 2017 ‘Young Horticulturist of the Year Competition’, aiming to identify future leaders.

For more information about the competition visit younghort.co.nz.