Like many horticultural operations around the country, Brian Gargiulo’s tomato growing business in Harewood, Christchurch is an extremely high tech business. A fleet of computers ensure the plants receive exactly what they need to produce the best possible crop. But the one thing the business really needs to flourish is extremely hard to find--people who understand plants and commerce.
To help get more aspiring green-fingered business people into the horticulture industry, the Canterbury Growers Society is offering a $3000 scholarship for the first year of study towards a Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture) in horticultural management at Lincoln University. The scholarship is open to any New Zealand school leaver who has an NCEA Level Three Certificate including University Entrance.
“A lot of money is invested in these operations and we need people with a financial background plus know how plants grow,” says Brian. “Once upon a time it didn’t matter if you didn’t understand a balance sheet or time and motion but now it does. We need people’s brains more and more.”
Applications for the Lincoln University scholarship close on 14 June. For further information contact the scholarships manager Jane Edwards. The course starts on 2 July 2007.
Photo available.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
Elizabeth Owens
Marketing and Communications Manager
Lincoln University
03 325 2811 extn 8655
owense@lincoln.ac.nz
Jane Edwards
Scholarships Manager
Lincoln University
03 325 2811 extn 8748
edwardj1@lincoln.ac.nz