The hunt has begun to find the best young fruit growers in the Bay of Plenty.

Applications are now being accepted to compete in the 2019 BOP Young Fruit Grower competition.

People aged under 30 who have been employed full-time in the fruit industry for at least three years are strongly encouraged to enter. Applications close on December 21, 2018.

Andrew Dawson, Chair of the Bay of Plenty Young Fruit Growers Upskilling Committee, says young people are valued within the industry.

'The horticulture industry needs young talent to ensure that it can continue to grow rapidly. The Young Fruit Grower competitions not only promote the talent that already exists in horticulture, but also retains, develops and builds that talent.

'For example, Avocados and kiwifruit are booming industries. Net sales of both crops have increased substantially over the last 10 years and are expected to continue to do so in the future.

'Talented people with scientific, commercial and technical backgrounds will be required if this growth is to be met.”

The 2019 Bay of Plenty Young Fruit Grower Gala Dinner on February 13 will follow the competition day held on February 9 at the Te Puke A&P Show.

The dinner will involve a final speech competition and announcement of the winners. The dinner takes place at ASB Baypark.

MC for the evening will be the renowned comedian and actress Madeleine Sami. Networking and drinks start at 5.30pm.

NZKGI CEO Nikki Johnson says, the Gala Dinner has proven to be both a very entertaining evening but also a superb insight into the talent our industry has.

'It's great to have competitions such as the BOP Young Fruit Grower Competition, not only to showcase the industry's talented future leaders but also support the development and growth of skilled personnel in the horticulture industry.”

For contestant application forms and Gala Dinner tickets, visit: www.bopyoungfruitgrower.co.nz