It was "incredibly rewarding" to be part of people embarking on a possibly lifelong career, Boase said in a statement.
It was a privilege for her leadership to be recognised among so many high-calibre candidates, she said.
"This award is a tribute to the team who supported me along the way."
While the horticulture industry had always strived to create innovative solutions to meet seasonal and long-term labour needs, the GoHort CPM initiative had been a crucial part of the industry's succession planning, Boase said.
Listen to Jamie Mackay interview Emma Boase on The Country below:
"For young people to be attracted to, and continue to grow in our industry, we need to do our utmost to support them."
"Our CPM network works hard to create pathways and shift perceptions. We have placed more than 5000 New Zealanders into training or employment across New Zealand, and attracted more and more youth into lasting, permanent careers.
The Career Progression Managers' efforts were about promoting the bright future that horticulture offered, shaping young leaders, and ensuring there was awareness of the diverse career options on offer, Boase said.
The industry was full of inspiring young leaders like Boase, Horticulture New Zealand chief executive, Nadine Tunley said.
New Zealand's horticulture sector had many rewarding careers across the supply chain, including at executive level, in processing, or contributing to seasonal harvests, Tunley said.
"Horticulture has a place for everyone. Attracting talent - the leaders, the innovators, the pragmatists and big thinkers - will be fundamental for fostering industry growth at a time where New Zealanders need more jobs, and healthy, affordable food, more than ever.
"Our youth are our future, a future that the horticulture sector is embracing."
