A Hawke's Bay orchard supervisor has won the Young Grower of the Year title.
Ben James, 28, is foreman on a 107 hectare Mr Apple orchard at Twyford.
He beat three other regional champions in a series of practical and theoretical tests on Tuesday.
Mr James says he entered the contest for the challenge and he's optimistic about the outlook for the pipfruit industry and New Zealand horticulture generally.
"The world loves New Zealand's fresh fruit and produce, and we're lucky enough to have the climate to be able to produce some of the world's best fresh fruit and produce and it's been quite a privilege to be part of that scene."
He will go on to compete in the Young Horticulturist of the Year competition in November.
