A Hawke's Bay fruitgrower is one of four candidates vying for two positions on the Horticulture New Zealand Board.
Lesley Wilson, current president of the Hawke's Bay Fruitgrowers' Association, has put her hand up for the elections, with voting closing on May 28.
"We haven't had such a strong contest for some time and the calibre of candidates is an indication of how well horticulture is doing and the high profile the industry is enjoying on the back of that success," said Horticulture New Zealand President Julian Raine.
John Cook is standing down from the nine-member board and not offering himself for re-election.
Mike Smith is offering himself for re-election, while new candidates for the vacant roles are Kathryn de Bruin, Bernadine Guilleux, and Wilson.