Central Otago's up-and-coming orchardists competed to see whether their skills would bear fruit yesterday as they vied to be the region's best.
The region's second annual Young Fruit Grower tournament took place in Cromwell yesterday.
The five contestants, all aged under 30, tested their skills in first aid, irrigation, pests and disease, fertilising, pruning and tractor driving.
Jack Gilchrist, of Willowbrook Orchard, Roxburgh, won, pocketing $1500 for his efforts.
He will face the country's best orchardists at the national championships in Auckland on July 19-20.
Jonathan Bates, of CAJ van der Voort, Alexandra, won $1000 as runner-up and Jonathan Thayer (Parkburn Management, Cromwell) got $500 for third place.
Organiser Grant McKay said the event was created to entice young people into fruit growing.
"The feedback we've had is that there are not a lot of young people in the industry, although a few have come forward for this competition.
"We're expecting huge growth, so we need young people involved,'' he said.
A wide range of skills was what made a great orchardist.
"You need to understand the environment, and have good business skills.''
At an event last night, each contestant presented a speech on the ways they would entice young people if they were orchard owners, besides paying them more.
Last year's winner James Huffadine, of Bannockburn, said money was the way to bring more young people into the industry.
The competition was directed mainly at those seeking supervisor roles, he said.
