T&G forms new partnership with Brisbane school

Formed in Auckland in 1897, T&G now has offices in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney and works with growers globally to supply fresh fruit and vegetables through major supermarkets, retailers and produce markets.

In New Zealand, T&G is known as the country’s largest exporter of fresh produce and as an established grower in its right with substantial apple and citrus orchards, undercover tomato operations and berry growing operations.

Staff from T&G’s Brisbane and Auckland offices visited Corinda State High School this week to view its unique Agricultural Farm and Science Innovation Centre and present a trophy as acknowledgement of the new partnership. T&G also delivered trays of Orchard Rd gold kiwifruit, a brand sold only in Australia, for students to enjoy, an appropriate offering from the Kiwi-born company.

T&G’s Daniel Waters and Heath Jakeman, both based at T&G’s Rocklea office in Brisbane, were hugely impressed by the schools’ ag and hort facilities and the work the students are doing from propagating plants to harvesting herbs and vegetables. “It’s exciting to be supporting a school in our backyard that’s enabling young people to grow and prepare healthy food and potentially enter the expanding horticulture industry,” says Daniel.

Executive principal Helen Jamieson says senior students are gaining a deep understanding of the true complexities inherent to food and fibre production at Corinda and appreciating why data gathering, analysis and application are fundamental to future sustainable growth.

“Our senior students have the opportunity to study nationally recognised vocational qualifications by completing a Certificate I in Agri-food Operations in Year 10 and Certificate II in Rural Operations in year 11 and 12. This course of study is made richer by our industry connections and the wealth of experience they bring to our school through their extensive connections in the horticultural and animal industries. It’s exciting to now have T&G on board as a supporter and we’re looking forward to working with their Brisbane team more now the relationship has been established.”