Jamie McIntyre, who works at Illawarra Farms at Matawhero, won the 2021 Gisborne Young Grower of the Year competition yesterday, held at Kaiaponi Farms at Waerenga-a-Hika.

The 25-year-old orchard hand headed off the other nine competitors who were put through their paces on a wide range of horticulture-related activities.

They had to complete tasks involving irrigation, pests and diseases, plant nutrition, health and safety, machinery operation and some financials.

The judging process concluded with speeches by the contestants last night at The Vines at Matawhero, where the winner was announced.

The night was well attended, with almost 200 people there from all over the industry.

“What a day and I'm really stoked,” Jamie said.

“This is the best job you can have.

“I love what I do as growing is such a fantastic lifestyle choice,” he said.

“I am passionate about growing and want to share what happens on our orchards, so more people can have a slice of the lifestyle that we can all lead.”

Jamie will represent the Gisborne growing community in the national Young Grower of the Year competition in Wellington on September 22-23, where six other regional finalists will compete for their share of $30,000 worth of prizes.

The runner-up was Jacob Harrison, who works for the Williams brothers, and third was Billy Stackhouse, who works for LeaderBrand.

Horticulture New Zealand president Barry O'Neil said all the contestants have a bright future ahead of them, in the $6.5 billion plus and growing New Zealand export and domestic horticulture industry.

“All contestants can be really proud of what they achieved yesterday and the industry they are a vibrant part of,” he said.

“With the rapid rate of change and number of challenges facing the industry, we need to support and nurture these talented young growers.”

Competitions like the ‘Young Grower of the Year' give young people invaluable experience, to help them start their journey as the leaders of tomorrow, Mr O'Neil said.

“People like Jamie show that the future of the industry is in safe and capable hands.

“The horticulture industry has a lot to offer. It's a rewarding career for those who want to help feed New Zealand and the world healthy food, while helping our country to meet environmental and climate change mitigation goals.”