As a result of the play-off at the Horticulture NZ conference in Auckland on the 29th July Jim Smith from Bay of Plenty will be going forward to represent the Fruit Sector at the Grand Final.

Jim, (29,) is responsible for technical support and grower services at Satara, a kiwifruit and avocado co-operative based at Te Puke.  Satara processes about 12 million trays of kiwi fruit for export annually across seven sites.  Jim is the communication link between Satara and their growers, provides technical support, manages the company’s Gold Kiwi harvest, as well as having an involvement with Satara’s organic category.

When he left school Jim joined the NZ Navy where he achieved hydraulic and electronic engineering qualifications.  He joined Satara in 2002 as an orchard cadet and gained an Advanced Certificate in Horticulture.  After two years Jim took a year off and travelled to Mouscardes, southern France, where he worked on an organic kiwifruit orchard.   He returned to Satara to a technical support role. 

Jim attributes his interest in horticulture to being brought up on his father’s kiwifruit orchard at Kerikeri.  He mentioned he is committed to Satara because of the support the company has given his career and his aim is to progress through the company to a senior managerial position.

He lists his spare time interests as studying for a Diploma in Horticulture, playing golf and spending time with his 22-month daughter.