“Shared knowledge builds stronger growers and a stronger industry.”

We are pleased to confirm that the Horticentre Charitable Trust will continue its role as Exclusive Sponsor of Grower2Grower for 2026. This ongoing partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening New Zealand’s protected cropping sector by improving access to trusted, practical and research-based information for both emerging and experienced growers.

Our focus remains on connecting the industry through knowledge-sharing, supporting collaboration across organisations, and promoting the opportunities that horticulture offers as a dynamic and rewarding career pathway. In an environment of increasing complexity and rapid change, having reliable, independent information has never been more important.

Over the past year, one of the highlights of this partnership was continued involvement in the Young Horticulturist Competition. Supporting this initiative remains a privilege, and it is always encouraging to see the capability, confidence, and passion demonstrated by the next generation of industry leaders. I was again fortunate to take part as a speech judge, which continues to be a rewarding experience.

Marie and I would like to sincerely acknowledge the Horticentre Charitable Trust Board for their ongoing commitment and belief in Grower2Grower. Their support enables us to keep lifting the profile of protected cropping in New Zealand and contributes meaningfully to the wider horticulture sector. We look forward to building on this momentum throughout 2026.

About the New Zealand Horticentre Trust

Established in 2008, the New Zealand Horticentre Trust is a charitable organisation created to provide practical support to the horticulture and viticulture sectors.

Its purpose is to contribute to industry development through funding and support of:

• Education and training
• Research and development
• Grower welfare initiatives
• Disaster relief and recovery support
• Industry capability building

How the Trust is Funded

The Trust is supported through the trading activity of Horticentre Group companies, including Horticentre, TasmanCrop, and HortFertplus. These businesses operate with two core commitments:

Supporting Grower Development
A portion of trading income is directed into the Trust, enabling funding for initiatives that benefit horticulture and viticulture across New Zealand.

Delivering Better Outcomes
Alongside financial support, the group focuses on providing quality products and technical expertise that help growers achieve improved performance and long-term success.

Supporting the Future of the Industry

Grower and industry support of Horticentre, TasmanCrop, and HortFertplus directly contributes to the ongoing funding of the Trust. This, in turn, enables continued investment into projects and programmes that strengthen New Zealand’s horticultural and viticultural sectors.

More information: https://horticentre.co.nz/index.php/about-us/horticentre-trust/

Initiatives Supported by the Horticentre Charitable Trust

The Trust continues to invest in a wide range of industry programmes, including:

• Young Grower of the Year – principal sponsor
• Horticulture NZ Scholarships (3 annually)
• NZ Plant Producers Inc. Young Plant Producer of the Year
• Hawke’s Bay A&P Society Horticulturalist of the Year
• NZ Avocado Growers Association initiatives
• Grower2Grower news service
• Massey University / research grape programme (3-year grant)
• NZ Olives – principal sponsor
• NZ Ethical Employers – conference support
• NZ Orchid Export Growers Association – Orchid Monitor
• Plant & Food Research – Fresh Facts publications