Young Fruit Grower says competition offers much

Apata's Erin Atkinson won this year's Bay of Plenty Young Fruit Grower of the Year competition.

The Young Fruit Grower of the Year competition is a chance to take part in the ultimate horticultural challenge to boost skills, network with the best in the business and win some fantastic prizes.

Competition organisers are seeking participants aged 30 or under to enter the 2018 competition.

The competition features a day event where contestants battle it out in a series of theoretical and practical events at the Te Puke A&P Show on Saturday, February 10, as well as a speech contest held at a gala dinner on Thursday, February 15 at ASB Arena in Mount Maunganui.

The overall winner is announced at the gala dinner with the top three contestants receiving cash prizes.

The winner of the regional competition will then go on to compete at the national competition and will receive professional development opportunities through Horticulture NZ.

This year's winner, Erin Atkinson, says she recommends the competition as a fantastic personal development opportunity.

"I thoroughly enjoyed competing in the BOP Young Fruit Grower, it was a great way to meet new people, progress my public speaking skills and challenge my practical skills. It was a fun day and an amazing opportunity."

Erin went on to win the national Young Grower of the Year title.

To find out how you can enter the competition or for details on how to sponsor the event go to www.bopyoungfruitgrower.co.nz or follow us on Facebook - BOP Young Fruit Grower.