New Zealand's Young Viticulturist of the Year has picked up another accolade, the Young Horticulturist of the Year Award.
Central Otago's Annabel Bulk was among five finalists to compete in the competition. She won the viticulture award in August.
The contestants were tested in depth on a wide range of skills and knowledge related to horticulture.
This included their own specific sectors as well as Irrigation & Technology, Botany & Machinery, Bees & Biosecurity, Fertilisers & Soils, HR, Agchem, First Aid, leadership skills, presentation skills, budgeting and community engagement.
Several weeks were also spent working on the AGMARDT Market Innovation Project. Contestants had to submit a business plan for a new product they would like to develop and launch, then were later quizzed by a panel of judges on its viability.
They also had to give a speech at the awards dinner in front of a large audience of key horticultural leaders.
Nicky Grandorge, national co-ordinator for Young Viticulturist of the Year, said it was a great achievement.
"Annabel has worked extremely hard and the wine industry is incredibly proud of her winning this prestigious competition," she said.
Annabel has a deep passion for viticulture, a thirst for knowledge and a natural ability to share this. She is a fantastic ambassador for viticulture and has all the qualities to grow into one of the future leaders of our industry," said Ms Grandorge.
Newshub.
