The 2009 Young Growers Tour to New Zealand saw seven Australian young growers visit the South Island for nine days. Ranging in age from 20 to 34 years and hailing from QLD, VIC, TAS, and WA, the growers travelled from their home states to Christchurch on July 17.

Led by AUSVEG Board Member and Office Manager of Bogdanich Farms, Paul Bogdanich, the growers spent their first night in New Zealand in Timaru. Three days of grower and merchant visits around the South Island followed.
Returning to Christchurch on Day 5, the young growers attended the annual Horticulture New Zealand Conference from July 21-23. Keynote speakers included New Zealand Rugby icon, Gordon Tietjens, inspirational traveler, Yossi Ghinsberg, and world-renowned clinical relationship specialist, Jackie Furley. The group was also fortunate enough to meet Agriculture Technical Manager, Mr. Bruce Snowden.

On Day 7, after the conference had concluded, the group visited the Watties plant (known as Heinz in Australia) in Christchurch. Further farm and merchant visits followed, including a trip to Plant and Food (a Crown Research Institute), before the group departed for Australia after a whirlwind but very worthwhile trip.

One participant gave feedback stating: “Thank you very much. I have gained a lot and would continue to gain from the contacts I have made. It was great to see what was possible if you were prepared to have a go.”

This project has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the research and development levies listed below and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.

• Vegetable Fund