An up-and-coming young Hawke's Bay vegetable grower says the horticulture industry needs to start embracing new technologies to bridge the gap with its consumers.
Gareth Holder, the current national young grower of the year, says the greater integration of new social networking technology is a key to the future of horticulture.
He says consumers are very savy with technology, and Facebook and Twitter are quick and easy ways to connect with customers.
Mr Holder says consumers are getting more discerning in looking for top-quality produce and New Zealand growers need to take advantage of that in showing off their produce to the world.
