The Australian Vegetable Industry Awards, proudly brought to you by AUSVEG, highlight the achievements of the great people within our industry.
The Australian Vegetable Industry held its first conference and awards dinner in 2006, with both events attracting significant industry support. Following these successful debuts, an equally successful conference and awards dinner was held in May 2007. In 2009, the awards presentation was held at the Vegetables WA 60th Anniversary Dinner in Perth on 31 May.
Since their introduction, the awards have been presented annually at a significant industry event, and 2009, the awards’ fourth year, will be no exception.
The 2009 Awards Presentation will be held on Wednesday 6 May 2009 at the Crown Palladium, Melbourne, at the gala dinner of the Australian Vegetable Industry Conference.
The evening is expected to attract over 500 growers and other industry guests.
The Australian Vegetable Industry Awards aim to:
- Identify and reward excellence across the Australian vegetable industry
- Help unite the industry
- Demonstrate and share achievements and successful, innovative farming practices with the wider vegetable industry
- Promote Australian vegetable industry excellence to the broader Australian community
Award Categories
Landini Grower of the Year
The Landini Grower of the Year award recognises outstanding practices across many aspects of vegetable production, including growing, environmental management, staff management and product quality.
Growers short-listed for this award have shown to be innovators in their field and active contributors to the broader industry.
"The best Australian vegetable grower sets a fine example to all growers, through excellence in vegetable production and also by actively contributing to the industry, and we are proud to acknowledge their achievements", said Landini Tractors General Manager, Doug Robinson.
Landini Grower of the Year is open to all vegetable growers in Australia.Landmark Young Grower of the Year
The Landmark Young Grower of the Year is awarded to a vegetable grower under the age of 35 who has shown excellent business acumen and innovation in his/her chosen area of vegetable production. Shortlisted finalists have shown a high level of initiative in their approach to business and are recognised for their commitment to industry.
The grower must have sought opportunities for self development and have the potential to play a lead role in the Australian vegetable industry's future.
Landmark National Product Manager Horticulture, Viticulture, Nick Fazekas said, "Landmark is pleased to help young Australian growers develop to their full potential, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to horticulture beyond providing quality products and services".
Syngenta Researcher of the Year
The Syngenta Researcher of the Year award acknowledges scientists with extensive portfolios in research and development (R&D), their dedication to promoting knowledge and understanding in the vegetable industry, and their contribution to the international status of Australian science.
Short-listed finalists have a demonstrated track record of research or extension work that has contributed to long-term industry benefit.
This researcher must actively communicate their work to growers and encourage uptake of research outcomes on-farm. Their research or extension work must advance the reputation of Australian science internationally.
Brisbane Produce Market Innovative Marketing Award
The Brisbane Produce Market Innovative Marketing Award recognises individuals or businesses who, in the past three years, have created new market opportunities for vegetables or vegetable products through innovative marketing concepts. Short-listed finalists have challenged traditional perceptions of marketing and had a significant impact on the broader industry.
Brisbane Produce Market CEO, Andrew Young said, "we welcome the opportunity to foster forward thinkers and pay tribute to those who have acted upon their innovative ideas to present to the industry a new and more effective way of doing things".
This award recognises the dedication and leadership that is required to turn a good idea into a solution, product, process or program that has great benefit to advancing the vegetable industry.
AUSVEG Industry Recognition Award
The AUSVEG Industry Recognition Award recognises consistent individual contributions and commitment to the greater good of the industry. Short-listed finalists have exemplified the qualities that make them champions of their field in the vegetable industry.
"AUSVEG as the industry's national peak body is proud to be able to recognise those that have committed themselves for the betterment of the Australian Vegetable Industry," said AUSVEG Chairman, David Anderson.
