The Vegetable Sector Competitions was hosted by the Cantebury Vegetable Grower, and sponsored by Ravensdown

Who to contact
For details about this sectors competition -
Contact: Michelle de Jong
Phone: 021 504 658
Email: mdj@paradise.net.nz

Applications closed

The winner of the sector competition and representative for the Vegetable is Toby Potter, an operations co-ordinator for Ginseng Growers, Te Puke.

Toby (29), who will represent the Vegetable Sector of Horticulture NZ at the Grand Final. Toby recently left Ginseng Growers Ltd, a Tauranga company growing American ginseng to be manufactured into value-added products.  When Toby started with the company he assisted them with shade house construction and this led to all aspects of crop husbandry, research and development and marketing.  Most recently he was the company’s grower liaison officer, responsible for operations relating to the development of new blocks on behalf of interested parties, for the 2008 planting season.

Toby’s background is in kiwifruit orchard management and crop structures. Growing up in a family involved in horticulture he says it always been a natural interest.  This interest has grown since enrolling with the BOP Polytech and Lincoln University. Recognising that there are opportunities for skilled people in various industries fuelled Toby’s passion for horticulture.  Toby has his National Certificate in Horticulture (level4) and is studying for a Diploma in Horticulture and a Diploma in Organic Husbandry.

He would like to work within a progressive company in the horticultural industry and eventually own his own business.

A sports fan keen on following rugby, league and cricket, Toby admits he is also an undeterred golfer.