T&G Global has today announced the launch of a new postgraduate tertiary student grant valued at $10,000, to celebrate its 125th anniversary, named in honour of company founder Edward Turner.
“The Edward Turner Horticulture Futures Grant has been designed to support and celebrate the next generation of New Zealand’s bright thinkers who will take our industry forward. In looking to the future, we also wanted to acknowledge our past, particularly the vision of Edward Turner and the efforts of generations of growers and employees who’ve made T&G what it is today. We’re delighted to honour that through the naming of the grant after our founder,” says Gareth Edgecombe, Chief Executive of T&G Global.
Benedikt Mangold, Chair of T&G Global says the new grant will support the next generation in their horticulture careers and help advance the sector into the future.
“The horticulture sector in Aotearoa New Zealand is dynamic and purpose-led. It combines strong natural advantages with home-grown intellectual property to create premium fruit for global markets. We are proud to be launching the Edward Turner Horticulture Futures Grant and through it, further supporting Aotearoa to create increased value from producing sustainable and nutritious food.”
Benedikt Mangold
The Edward Turner Horticulture Futures Grant will enable post-graduate students with a passion for horticulture to take the next step in their education – whether it’s undertaking a research project or extended study, such as an Honours or Masters. Applications for the $10,000 cash grant open in February 2023, and all post-graduate students pursuing a career in horticulture from a range of disciplines such as applied science, technology and business, are encouraged to apply.
Reflecting on T&G’s 125 years of business, Gareth commented on the innovative thinking and drive that has contributed to T&G’s success through generations.
“Our business started with humble beginnings as a family-run Auckland-based fruit auction and importing business, growing and evolving into a global business that today employs more than 2,000 people across 13 countries, with customers in more than 60 countries. Our success is a real credit to Edward Turner and generations of family members, growers and employees, as well as our network of international partners who share our vision, including our majority shareholder BayWa Global Produce.”
In its 125 years, T&G has shaped some of the biggest innovations in the fruit and vegetable sector in Aotearoa New Zealand, including:
- Pioneering pallets to speed up the handling of fruit
- Leading the export of New Zealand strawberries to the United Kingdom, with the first long distance delivery of the fruit anywhere in the world
- Pioneering the export of “kiwifruit”, with Jack Turner giving it that name in 1959
- Being the first New Zealand company to import Californian grapes and stonefruit
- Developing and commercialising unique, high-value apple varieties, including Envy™ and JAZZ™
- Pioneering Lotatoes™, a lower carbohydrate potato
- Bringing high quality exotic fruit to Kiwi tables year-round through its global sourcing strategy
- Acquiring and integrating ENZA™
- Launching VentureFruit™, a plant variety and IP business which breeds, grows and commercialises new and superior fruit varieties, benefiting consumers and growers globally
- Establishing the food charity Fairgrow, which collects and distributes surplus fresh produce to Kiwis in need through its partnership with the New Zealand Food Network.
Gareth Edgecombe
“The horticulture industry is crucial to growing a healthier future for Aotearoa New Zealand. It contributes significantly to export earnings and will play a pivotal role in building our nation’s future prosperity. To help realise this, we’re investing in world-class technology, genetics, growing and post-harvest systems, and learning and development,” says Gareth.
Turners and Growers was founded in 1897 and changed its name to T&G Global in late 2014.
For more information about the Edward Turner Horticulture Futures Grant visit tandg.global/horticulture-futures-grant
