A willingness to lend a hand and a passion for horticulture are just two of the reasons why Hannah Greaves was presented with the Emerging Achiever award at the Hawke’s Bay Fruitgrowers Association awards last month.

Hannah is a Technical Horticultural Representative (THR) with Fruitfed Supplies Hastings where she’s a trusted advisor to numerous Hawke’s Bay growers, as well as providing support to Gisborne pipfruit, berries and citrus growers.

Described by Hawke’s Bay Area Sales Manager (ASM) Jeremy Darby as a dedicated and passionate advocate for the horticulture industry, Hannah completed a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Lincoln before starting with the company in 2018 as a Customer Service Representative. “Growers and staff quickly warmed to Hannah’s keen sense of humour and attention to detail,” Jeremy says.

Moving into a Trainee Horticultural Representative role, Hannah was selected for the 2019 PGG Wrightson Academy, which offers up-and-coming staff a unique wide view across the whole business while they complete a level four certificate in Rural Servicing. She was named dux of the 22 participants.

Now, with four years’ experience as a THR, Hannah champions the horticultural sector by speaking at school and university career expos, supports the Hawke’s Bay Young Grower of the Year competition as a station judge, and helps train store personnel with current technical information. Recently, she was appointed Chair of Fruitfed Supplies’ national pipfruit and summerfruit sector group to liaise with industry bodies and suppliers, and organise team meetings for knowledge transfer within the group.

“Hannah is a valued and very capable member of our team,” says Jeremy. “I’m delighted her dedication and passion for horticulture has been recognised with this award and we all look forward to seeing Hannah continue to succeed in our exciting and growing industry.”