2025 Hortgro Chairman’s Award | Hugh Campbell

The Hortgro Chairperson’s Award honours individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the deciduous fruit industry—either through long-term service (20+ years) or outstanding achievements in their field. We are proud to recognise Hugh Campbell as one of this year’s recipients.

Hugh’s involvement in the fruit and agricultural sector spans an impressive 44 years, from 1980 to 2024. A Stellenbosch agricultural economy graduate on a cricket bursary, he began his career in fruit production, including 14 years at Anglo American Farms, where he played a leading role in the redevelopment of Vergelegen Estate as Senior Divisional and Estate Manager. Throughout his career, Hugh often proudly remarked that he was a farmer first.

When the industry sought someone to lead what would become Hortgro Science, former industry leader Peter Dall told his trustees that they had to look no further than Hugh Campbell. He said that while Hugh wasn’t a scientist, he was always the first to adopt scientific methods and new technology. He had all the traits they needed.

Hugh joined the Deciduous Fruit Producers Trust in 1998 as Manager of Industry Affairs, assuming responsibility for the research portfolio previously held by Unifruco Research Services. He went on to build and lead the research structure for the pome, stone, and table grape industries. From his early days at Hortec to the evolution into Hortgro Science, Hugh played a pivotal role, spearheading initiatives such as the Orchard of the Future, redefining the plant improvement strategy, and developing Hortgro’s program framework.

Even after his 2024 retirement, Hugh continues to serve the industry—as director of HEC Services, supporting the Hortgro Skills Accelerator, chairing the Deciduous Fruit Plant Improvement Association, and advising the SA Strawberry Growers Association.

Hugh is the embodiment of Ubuntu, a worthy recipient of the 2025 Hortgro Chairman’s Award.