Presidents Report
Young talent keeps on coming
Earlier in June we held the Hawke’s Bay Young Fruit Grower of the Year competition. Once again this was an outstanding event showcasing our industry’s future talent. The two-day event, held in Hastings, tested a range of practical and theoretical skills – from machinery handling, pest ID, irrigation modules, building small pallets to the group leadership panel and of course the speech competition which was held on the final awards ceremony and gala dinner night. The standard of competition was incredibly high with the passion, knowledge, and professionalism shown by our 8 contestants out on display. The future of our industry would not be possible without nurturing and supporting the next generation of horticultural leaders – and that’s what this event was all about.
We are proud to announce that Sam Carter of T&G Global took out top honours, claiming the title of 2025 HB Young Fruit Grower of the Year. Sam performed consistently well across all modules. Second place went to George Andrew from Mr Apple, while Third place was awarded to William Hirst of Rockit Global. These young professionals represent the next generation of leaders in our industry. We were incredibly proud of all the finalists in this year’s event, showing tremendous courage and grit in putting themselves out there, pushing through there comfort zones and trying something new. Well done to all our contestants. Sam will now go on to represent HB at the National Young Grower of the Year final to be held in Christchurch on the 11th September – we wish him all the best.
The night also included HBFAs prestigious Joe Bell Trophy presentation which celebrates those who have shown long-term leadership, vision, and contribution to the fruit growing industry. This year, HBFA honoured a true pioneer and legend to the industry John Paynter. It was a real privilege for me as President to honour John with the Joe Bell for his decades of service and contribution to the pip fruit, summer fruit and kiwi fruit sectors. John’s career has spanned more than 50 years, most notably through his leadership of Johnny Appleseed Holdings and Yummy Fruit Company. John has been a tireless champion of New Zealand apples and a key figure in driving innovation, export growth, and brand development across the sectors. His efforts have shaped both the local and international reputation of Hawke’s Bay as a premium fruit growing region. John received a well-deserved standing ovation from around 280 people after his speech. We extend our warmest congratulations and thanks to John for his remarkable contribution to the fruit growing industry and for inspiring the next generation of growers and leaders.
Now for something different. I have recently returned home from spending 5 weeks in Africa – mainly in Uganda with a short time in Cape Town and Addis Ababa (Ethiopia). This was my 5th trip to Uganda – 2004 was my first time. It is a very poor country with a population of around 50 million people. My mission growing people, leadership training, community growth, developing business opportunities and helping the poor and needy (which there is plenty of with millions of orphans and widows). Over the years my wife and I have supported key partners with food supplies, school fees, helping small farmers grow crops and much more. A few years ago, we decided to lease larger amounts of land with the goal of helping them become self-sufficient – enabling entire communities to benefit. Maize was the main crop grown with a small amount of beans. (maize is their staple diet- ground into flour which is then made into Posho) This is now their 3rd crop, and they have got the food growing bug. There is plenty of land in Uganda and the soil is extremely fertile. They want to expand and are busy putting together a growing association registered with the government to help facilitate this. They also have the support of local govt and agriculture advisors.
Uganda’s fertile land and tropical climate support a wide variety of fruit crops. Bananas, mangoes, pineapples, watermelon and avocados are among the most popular and widely grown. There is a small amount citrus also and they are trialing growing apples in the cooler areas, which are up in the highlands of east Uganda around Mount Algon with about 1000 growers giving it ago. These will be very small growing operations from local farmers. I haven’t been up to see any of that yet but maybe on my next trip.
I’ve attached a few pictures to give you an idea of what Uganda is like.
Maize Team
Orphans
Key partner in maize
Family community
Banana tree and beans
maize field
Windows and orphans
Punning is well underway – enjoy the quieter winter months and take a break you deserve it.
Kia kaha
Brydon Nisbet – President – Hawkes Bay Fruit Growers Association
