The 2014 National Horticultural Field Day will be held on Thursday, June 5, at Showgrounds Hawke's Bay in Hastings.

The organisers have a new partnership with Massey University this year which will bring increased expertise, knowledge and research specific to the horticultural industry. It will be part of a popular seminar series held at the field day. Being election year, it's expected there will be representation present from major political parties too.

The National Horticultural Field Day creates an opportunity for business leaders and key horticultural players from around New Zealand – both vegetable and fruit – to come together and discuss prominent issues facing their industries.

Education and horticultural career opportunities will be a strong focus at the event going forward, as the industry puts emphasis on the need for a highly-skilled workforce, to meet its projections of being a $10 billion industry by 2020.

All of this will combine with the large trade expo, and competitions including the Hawke's Bay Young Fruitgrower of the Year, the NZ Hydralada competition and horticulture art exhibition.

(Source: HortNZ newsletter)