Our sector has a strong history of developing young people who love working with plants and building their skills and knowledge. We are working with our members, industry partners, tertiary providers and the Government to reignite the training programmes and qualifications that have been so important to our sector.  

With about 4000 people employed in our sector and many unfilled jobs, there are plenty of opportunities for people to join our industry and pursue an exciting and rewarding career. 

We work with other primary organisations to identify the best structures for horticultural vocational eduction.

This work includes:

• Advocating for industry qualifications to ensure that they are relevant
• Promoting free apprenticeships and scholarships
• Supporting our emerging leaders on a strong career path.

To find out more, visit the Plant Careers Website.

The Young Plant Producer competition recognises the best young people in our sector and enables them to take the next step in their personal and career development.

The two-day event pushes entrants to learn valuable new skills, gives them exceptional networking opportunities with industry leaders, and a boost to their careers. Each year our Young Plant Producer joins the winners of other horticulture industry competitions in the Young Horticulturalist of the Year.

Check out the Young Plant Producer website for more information and how and when to enter.

In July 2022, we announced the establishment of the Carol Fraser Industry Training Award (Fraser Award) in memory of Carol Fraser who founded Growing Spectrum with her husband Peter.

Carol, who played an extremely active role in industry training and the professional development of plant producers. This scholarship continues Carol’s educational legacy through its support of those outstanding individuals who have a passion for plants, for training and education, and for our industry.

The Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme has been specifically designed for the food and fibre sector.

The programme develops food and fibre sector leaders with the skills, confidence, awareness, and networks to think and act strategically. It is for farmers, foresters, fishers, producers, growers, and agri-professionals who have a desire to contribute to their rural community, food and fibre production, processing, or profession.

Government champions women in horticulture with new support initiatives

05 Sep 2024

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The Government has committed $300,000 over three years to the Women in Horticulture initiative.

In a press release, Associate Minister of Agriculture, Nicola Grigg said: “The Government is empowering women in the horticulture industry by funding an initiative that will support networking and career progression.” 

“Women currently make up around half of the horticulture workforce, but only 20 per cent of leadership roles which is why initiatives like this are so important.

“The United Fresh Women in Horticulture (Women in Horticulture) initiative will deliver workshops and professional development sessions enabling women to upskill and reach their full potential.

“It also provides the sector an opportunity to positively influence industry attitudes by looking for ways we can encourage women to remain in - and be recognised - within horticulture,” Ms Grigg said.

“Women are underrepresented at leadership level, meaning they are impacted by the gender pay gap and disproportionate retirement earnings compared to men.

“The Government has committed $300,000 over three years to the Women in Horticulture initiative to making New Zealand a world leader for gender equity in this space.

“Our Government is focused on growing the economy and supporting our primary industries so that Kiwis can get ahead.

“As Minister for Women I want women to succeed, and this programme will support this objective.”

 

 

 

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