Some of region's best young fruit growers will converge on Tauranga to put their skills to the test.

Mills Reef Winery will be playing host to the Bay of Plenty Young Fruit Grower Competition on June 22.

Last year's winner, Craig Ward at last years' event. Photo provided by Lara Harrison. Photo: File.

According to the official website, the competition is a great way to expose young fruit growers to industry leaders and provides an excellent chance for them to network with people from the horticulture industry. The competition also offers a cash prize and a trophy to the winner.

The competition focuses on all aspects of the horticulture industry, not just the planting of trees. Although planting is an element in the competition, the contestants are marked on a series of skills, both practical and theoretical.

Information provided by the website states the competitions have an emphasis on practical production… skills, business skills associated with growing and industry knowledge.

The winner of the competition will also go through to the next stage of the competition, the New Zealand Young Fruit Grower final in July.

Kiwifruit Vine Health communications co-ordinator Lara Harrison says the competition is a great experience for young fruit growers who are passionate about horticulture.

Last year the competition was won by Craig Ward who demonstrated his knowledge and skill throughout the competition.

Craig was required to demonstrate such skills as; driving tractors, acid injecting and his knowledge in bio security.

The competition will be happening during the day and at night there will be a special gala dinner, available to all those who wish purchase a ticket to the event.

The gala dinner involves more than just eating however, there is a speech competition quizzes on horticulture and presentations and speeches by key people in the industry. Gala tickets are $95 per person or $1080 for a table of 12.

Visit http://www.bopyoungfruitgrower.co.nz/ to book tickets to the gala or enter the competition.