Discover more about Horticulture

Dismiss the notion that horticulture is simply picking and packing, this industry is big business and we are world leaders. To continue to grow we need future leaders on farm and orchards: commercial leaders, science leaders and technology leaders.

The horticulture industry is New Zealand's sixth largest industry and is very important to the New Zealand economy. It contributes in excess of $2 billion in export earnings annually with another $2.2 billion from domestic sales. In the peak of the season it employs 50,000 people on the farm, in post-harvest operations and exporting to the four corners of the world. There is a further $12 billion of investment both on and off the farm.

The horticulture industry has a goal to increase export earnings to $10 billion by 2020. In order to do achieve this goal the growth must be built through increasing exports to target markets, and increasing productivity with science and technology providing the foundation for our future growth.

People are the greatest asset for horticulture. The increased use of technology and the resulting changes in on-farm and orchard management mean higher skilled people are required. The industry can and does provide an amazing array of career opportunities.