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10 June 2021
Australia’s leading horticulture growers and industry members have been recognised at the Hort Connections 2021 National Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner, with attendees from every sector of Australian horticulture celebrating the significant contributions of the industry and its members.
The National Awards for Excellence was held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Wednesday 9 June and provided the opportunity to acknowledge the dedication and determination of the industry’s leading growers, researchers and suppliers. The awards cover a range of areas in horticulture, including recognising outstanding growers in multiple categories, as well as researchers, innovative agribusinesses and the industry’s leading exporters.
“The National Awards for Excellence provide an opportunity for the industry to come together, recognise the outstanding achievements of our leading growers and industry members, and celebrate the great work that our industry undertakes to keep Australia healthy and safe,” said AUSVEG CEO James Whiteside.
“It was more important for the industry to meet up and reconnect with each other this year than ever before after the unprecedented challenges over the last 18 months due to the pandemic, and it was pleasing that so many people could come together, celebrate the industry’s successes and provide support to peers and colleagues.”
“Everyone who was nominated for an award this year has demonstrated their passion and commitment to the industry and has made a valuable contribution to its ongoing growth and success. I’d like to congratulate every individual and business who won an award at this year’s National Awards for Excellence and thank them for their continued dedication to our industry.”
Winners of the Hort Connections 2021 National Awards for Excellence were as follows:
- Andrew and David Moon, Qld – Syngenta Grower of the Year
- Xavier Toohey, Vic – Corteva Agriscience Young Grower of the Year
- Catherine Velisha, Vic – Boomaroo Nurseries Women in Horticulture Award
- Steven Moffatt, Qld – Hort Innovation Exporter of the Year
- Dr Jenny Ekman, NSW – Bayer Researcher of the Year
- East Gippsland Vegetable Innovation Days (EGVID), Vic – Visy Industry Impact Award
- Andrew Smith, Tas – E.E. Muir & Sons Community Stewardship Award
- Mark and Darren Todaro, Vic – Butler Market Gardens Environmental Award
The National Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner was the capstone event of Hort Connections 2021, the premier event in Australian horticulture. Delegates converged for the three-day event, which featured a trade show with around 200 local and global supply chain partners and presentations from the industry’s leading thinkers.
Photographs of the individual award winners, as well as further information on each, can be found on the following pages. To request more information or an interview with award winners, please contact the AUSVEG media representative below.
Queensland vegetable growers Andrew and David Moon land horticulture’s Syngenta Grower of the Year Award
Fifth generation farmers Andrew and David Moon from Moonrocks, a family-owned business based in Western Queensland, have been recognised for their achievements in the Australian horticulture industry by receiving the Syngenta Grower of the Year Award at the Hort Connections 2021 conference in Brisbane on Wednesday 9 June.
The Syngenta Grower of the Year Award recognises outstanding achievement across all aspects of horticultural production, including growing, environmental management, staff management and quality of produce, and acknowledges grower commitment to innovation and advancing the Australian horticulture industry.
The award is supported by Syngenta, a leading agriculture company helping to improve global food security by enabling millions of farmers to make better use of available resources through world class science and innovative crop solutions.
Moonrocks supplies a wide range of horticulture crops, specialising in broccoli, onions and garlic. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Andrew and David started the G’day Garlic range of garlic powders, which deliver a truly paddock to plate experience. Processing and packaging of the products also take place on-farm, which has supported the local community by creating jobs and contributed to the business’s growth.
“The Grower of the Year Award is the highest accolade in Australian horticulture and reflects Andrew and David’s dedication to their business and their tireless efforts on behalf of the horticulture industry,” said AUSVEG CEO James Whiteside.
“Andrew and David are actively involved in the vegetable and wider horticulture industry, with Andrew previously serving as Chair of Onions Australia and David a former Board Member of Hort Innovation.”
“Andrew and David have transformed their business into one of the most innovative and successful growing operations in Australia, which has been built on a strong foundation of consistent quality through environmentally sustainable farming practices and attention to detail.”
“Andrew and David are very deserving winners of the Grower of the Year accolade and we congratulate them on their tremendous success to date. I have no doubt we will continue to see great things from them for years to come.”
Hort Connections 2021 is a joint initiative between AUSVEG and the Produce Marketing Association Australia – New Zealand (PMA A-NZ). It is the premiere event for the Australian horticulture industry’s vegetable, fruit, nut, cut floral and nursery sectors.
Image 1 (L-R): Andrew Moon and Paul Luxton, Syngenta Australia – New Zealand Managing Director.
Image 2: (L-R): Paul Luxton, Syngenta Australia – New Zealand Managing Director, and Andrew Moon.
Image credits: Andrew Beveridge
Victorian potato grower Xavier Toohey named Corteva Agriscience Young Grower of the Year
Victorian potato grower Xavier Toohey has been presented with the Corteva Agriscience Young Grower of the Year award at the Hort Connections 2021 National Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner in Brisbane on Wednesday 9 June.
The Corteva Agriscience Young Grower of the Year award is presented to a fresh produce grower and future leader in horticulture who champions the success of the industry and shows a commitment to innovation to help inspire the next generation of growers. The award winner demonstrates a high level of commitment to the industry and helps to enrich their community.
Corteva Agriscience is the only major agriscience company completely dedicated to agriculture. By combining the strengths of DuPont Pioneer, DuPont Crop Protection and Dow AgroSciences, Corteva harnesses agriculture’s brightest minds and expertise gained over two centuries of scientific achievement.
Xavier was also the winner of the 2021 AUSVEG VIC Young Grower of the Year earlier in the year.
“Xavier is a deeply passionate potato grower who has demonstrated significant skill and acumen to grow his business to increase the scale of his potato production, which has added flow-on benefits to the local community,” said AUSVEG CEO James Whiteside.
“He is an active member of his local community and readily imparts his knowledge to other local growers to help them improve their growing practices and grow their own businesses.”
“Xavier has adopted technologies and processes on his farm reduce his energy and water consumption, and has a strong focus on improving soil health, reducing the risk of pests and using cropping techniques that have produced yields of up to 10-20% above district averages.”
“I congratulate Xavier on his award and his commitment to improving his business and his local industry. The Australian horticulture industry needs more young people involved, and it is important that we recognise the achievements of young growers such as Xavier to ensure we foster our next generation of leaders,” said Mr Whiteside.
Hort Connections 2021 is a joint initiative between AUSVEG and the Produce Marketing Association Australia – New Zealand (PMA A-NZ). It is the premiere event for the Australian horticulture industry’s vegetable, fruit, nut, cut floral and nursery sectors.
Image credits: Andrew Beveridge
Victorian vegetable grower Catherine Velisha wins the Boomaroo Nurseries Women in Horticulture award
Vegetable grower Catherine Velisha, Managing Director of leading producer Velisha Farms, has received the Boomaroo Nurseries Women in Horticulture Award at the Hort Connections 2021 National Awards for Excellence, held in Brisbane on Wednesday 9 June.
The Boomaroo Nurseries Women in Horticulture Award recognises a leading female member of the Australian horticulture industry who has demonstrated outstanding ability and success in her chosen field. Boomaroo Nurseries is a world-class vegetable seedling producer, supplying over 300 million seedlings to growers around Australia.
“Catherine Velisha is an inspirational and innovative leader in the fresh produce industry. As a third-generation farmer, Catherine has taken the spirit and history of the family business and modernised by viewing problems from a different perspective,” said AUSVEG CEO James Whiteside.
“Catherine encourages a culture of innovation by fostering creative thinking from her team at Velisha Farms. Updating the business brand to connect customers and using social media to tell the story of Velisha Farms and what she is like behind the scenes have been paramount to the current growth.”
“As well as modernising the workplace tools, Catherine recognises that her employees are the business’s biggest assets and invests in their professional development and wellbeing.”
“Catherine’s passion for the industry is evident in her broader work, including regular donations to food relief charities and establishing a horticulture specific education business, V.E.G. Education, and partnering with others to promote and increase awareness on farm safety and building a career in the industry.”
“Catherine was one of 11 strong contenders for the Boomaroo Nurseries Women in Horticulture Award this year. There are so many passionate, dedicated women who are responsible for a range of roles throughout the industry, and this award recognises the key role that women play in ensuring Australian horticulture continues to be a strong contributor to the country’s agricultural sector.”
Hort Connections 2021 is a joint initiative between AUSVEG and the Produce Marketing Association Australia – New Zealand (PMA A-NZ). It is the premiere event for the Australian horticulture industry’s vegetable, fruit, nut, cut floral and nursery sectors.
Image credits: Andrew Beveridge
Queensland vegetable exporter Steven Moffatt crowned Exporter of the Year
Leading Queensland vegetable grower and exporter Steven Moffatt has been awarded the Hort Innovation Exporter of the Year award at the Hort Connections 2021 National Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner in Brisbane on Wednesday 9 June.
The Hort Innovation Exporter of the Year recognises an individual or business who is committed to exporting and actively contributes to activities to assist the industry increase its exports.
Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for the Australian horticulture industry. It invests over $120 million annually in research and development, marketing and trade programs on behalf of industry to improve the productivity, profitability and global competitiveness of fruit, vegetable and nut sectors, as well as transformational investments that benefit the broader Australian horticulture industry as a whole.
“Moffatt Fresh has operated for nearly 100 years and now has the fifth generation of Moffatt family farmers putting quality fresh vegetables on the tables of Australian families and those in key markets around the world,” said AUSVEG National Manager – Export Development Michael Coote.
“Moffatt Fresh started to export directly from the farm around six years ago and is now shipping directly to customers in Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and the Middle East.”
“Steven Moffatt has been active in supporting a wide range of national industry export activities, and openly collaborates with other growers to support the growth in export of Australian fresh vegetables.”
“The vegetable industry has increased its focus on boosting the value and volume of exports to ensure growers can diversify their avenues to market and take advantage of growing international markets.”
“Moffatt Fresh is a prime example of the success that a business can achieve when it embraces the opportunities that are available in export markets. Steven is a deserving recipient of this award and I look forward to seeing him continue to develop new markets for his business.”
Hort Connections 2021 is a joint initiative between AUSVEG and the Produce Marketing Association Australia – New Zealand (PMA A-NZ). It is the premiere event for the Australian horticulture industry’s vegetable, fruit, nut, cut floral and nursery sectors.
Image 1 (L-R): Steven Moffatt, Mitchell Moffatt and Julie Bird, Hort Innovation Chair.
Image 2 (L-R): Julie Bird, Hort Innovation Chair, Steven Moffatt, and Mitchell Moffatt.
Image credits: Andrew Beveridge
Horticulture researcher Dr Jenny Ekman wins the Bayer Researcher of the Year Award
Dr Jenny Ekman, Senior Research Scientist from Applied Horticultural Research and Adjunct Associate Professor with the University of Sydney, has been recognised for her career in horticulture research by receiving the Bayer Researcher of the Year Award at the Hort Connections 2021 conference in Brisbane on Wednesday 9 June.
The Bayer Researcher of the Year Award recognises a researcher who has a track record of research or extension work that has advanced the industry, who actively communicates research outcomes and encourages uptake of outcomes on-farm, and who contributes research or extension work that advances the reputation of Australian science internationally.
The award is supported by Bayer, an international life science company offering innovative products that serve the health of humans, plants and animals. With core competencies in the areas of health care and agriculture, Bayer takes on two of the greatest challenges of the twenty-first century – the health and the nutrition of the growing population.
Dr Jenny Ekman has been a leading postharvest physiologist, food safety expert and science communicator for more than 20 years. Her research aims to help vegetable growers, packers and processors deliver high quality fresh produce to consumers while keeping losses to a minimum. More recently, Jenny has added the important area of food safety to her research portfolio.
“Research and development is critical to the ongoing growth of the horticulture industry, and we are fortunate to have world-leading researchers and scientists willing to engage with growers to understand their needs and issues. The Bayer Researcher of the Year Award recognises researchers who make a real impact on growers and their businesses,” said AUSVEG CEO James Whiteside.
“Not only is Dr Ekman a well-known and highly regarded researcher in the horticulture sector, she is an astute communicator who can deliver complex research outcomes to growers and the supply chain that are compelling and easy to understand.”
“Dr Ekman is a regular presenter at Australian and international conferences and goes above and beyond to ensure the outcomes of her research reach growers and businesses throughout the supply chain. Jenny is a truly worthy recipient of the Researcher of the Year Award.”
Hort Connections 2021 is a joint initiative between AUSVEG and the Produce Marketing Association Australia – New Zealand (PMA A-NZ). It is the premiere event for the Australian horticulture industry’s vegetable, fruit, nut, cut floral and nursery sectors.
Image 1 (L-R): Dr Jenny Ekman, Scott Ward, Bayer National Sales Manager, Horticulture.
Image 2 (L-R): Scott Ward, Bayer National Sales Manager, Horticulture, and Dr Jenny Ekman.
Image credits: Andrew Beveridge
Visy Industry Impact award goes to East Gippsland Vegetable Innovation Days
The East Gippsland Vegetable Innovation Days, one of the industry’s leading events in the COVID-ravaged 2020, has won the Visy Impact Award at Hort Connections 2021 on Wednesday 9 June.
The Visy Industry Impact Award recognises an individual or business that has invested in creating or has implemented a system of technology or business practice outside of the industry norm that has resulted in a significant contribution to best farm practice or in cost savings through the value chain and is not in common usage by industry and will provide a commercial and competitive advantage.
The award is supported by Visy, packaging industry pioneers and critical providers of essential food supply chain services with an extensive range of sustainable packaging provides innovative solutions for almost every vegetable in the market.
The East Gippsland Vegetable Innovation Days (EGVID) began on a small paddock in 2014 and has evolved to one of the Australian vegetable industry’s major events in 2017 and 2020. Despite the significant disruption to regional events last year, the event was held in May 2020 during the height of the pandemic and was a tremendous success.
“When COVID-19 hit last year, EGVID 2020 organisers were faced with either cancelling the event – like so many others – or adapting. With much hard work, planning and communication with local and state authorities, they were able to pivot to a reduced capacity but ramped up digital format very quickly,” said AUSVEG CEO James Whiteside.
“EGVID 2020 went virtual through some quick thinking, some very adaptable organisers and a brilliant team of social media experts and videographers. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram became the norm and a huge array of very high-class videos were produced and continue to be housed on the AUSVEG website freely accessible to the broader industry.”
“This resource offers Australian vegetable growers a permanent gateway to industry R&D, new seedling varieties and new technology trials, setting the standard for all major field days to follow, in Victoria, interstate and around the world.”
“The EGVID organising committee showed tremendous courage and adaptability to pull off such a successful event that will shape future events for years to come. The EGVID team has created a lasting impact on their industry and are well-deserved winners of the Visy industry Impact Award.”
Hort Connections 2021 is a joint initiative between AUSVEG and the Produce Marketing Association Australia – New Zealand (PMA A-NZ). It is the premiere event for the Australian horticulture industry’s vegetable, fruit, nut, cut floral and nursery sectors.
Image credits: Andrew Beveridge
Tasmanian apple grower Andrew Smith wins the E.E. Muir and Sons Community Stewardship Award
Andrew Smith, a fourth-generation apple grower and Managing Director of R&R Smith, has been recognised for their achievements in compostable packaging by receiving the E. E. Muir and Sons Community Stewardship Award at Hort Connections 2021 in Brisbane on Wednesday 9 June.
The E. E. Muir and Sons Community Stewardship Award recognises an individual or business that is proactive in developing or implementing a system or program of safe storage and use of on-farm materials above and beyond industry standards, engages in local or national community events and initiatives to develop wider industry and demonstrates the responsible planning and management of resources, leading to beneficial environmental impacts.
The award is supported by E. E. Muir and Sons, a major distributor of fertilisers, crop protectants, seeds and other farm supplies to the Australian agriculture industry, employing a fleet of highly trained staff who offer growers a complete package, based on the principles of quality and ethical service.
R&R Smith has introduced the first fully ‘Home Compostable’ package for its pre-packaged fruit.
The pack, which originally consisted of a plastic punnet overwrapped with BOPP plastic film, has now been replaced with a cardboard punnet overwrapped in a Bioplastic material. The complete package will decompose in a domestic compost bin. The packs are available in the organic section of major supermarket stores.
“The Community Stewardship Award is an important category in the National Awards for Excellence, as it highlights those that make a positive contribution to the industry, community and the environment,” said AUSVEG CEO James Whiteside.
“Packaging is becoming an increasingly important consideration for consumers in making their food purchasing decisions, and it is critical that the industry remains ahead of the pack to demonstrate the industry’s credentials in environmental sustainability.”
“R&R Smith has shown tremendous industry leadership in its development of its compostable packaging. The uptake of Bioplastic materials will have a significant impact on the use of soft plastics in the produce industry, as it can be adapted for use in almost all of the current plastic applications.”
“There was a number of high calibre nominees for this category, and I congratulate Andrew for winning this prestigious award.”
Hort Connections 2021 is a joint initiative between AUSVEG and the Produce Marketing Association Australia – New Zealand (PMA A-NZ). It is the premiere event for the Australian horticulture industry’s vegetable, fruit, nut, cut floral and nursery sectors.
Image credits: Andrew Beveridge
Victorian vegetable growers Todaro Farms wins Butler Market Gardens Environmental Award
Victorian vegetable growers Darren and Mark Todaro from Todaro Farms have been recognised for their environmental credentials by receiving the Butler Market Gardens Environmental Award at the Hort Connections 2021 conference in Brisbane on Wednesday 9 June.
The Butler Market Gardens Environmental Award recognises a business or individual who demonstrates a commitment to implement sustainable farming practices on-farm, develops innovative solutions to meet environmental challenges on-farm and shows leadership in promoting environmental issues in the local and wider community.
The award is supported by Butler Market Gardens, a family-owned farming that specialises in growing herbs and vegetables. The business is a committed member of the Australian horticulture industry and helps to support the adoption of sustainable, environmentally responsible growing practices.
Traditionally asparagus growers, Todaro Farms has diversified their product portfolio into cabbages, silverbeet, parsley and coriander. The business has focused on adopting sustainable and environmentally friendly practices in their business, including investing into more efficient and practical vegetable growing irrigation practices.
“The Butler Market Gardens Environmental Award recognises the importance of adopting environmentally- sustainable growing practices for the future viability of the industry,” said AUSVEG CEO James Whiteside.
“It is extremely important that environmental practices are continuously improved, to ensure that vegetable producers are having a minimal impact on their surrounding environments, while sustainably and profitably producing vegetables to supply to Australian consumers.”
“The results of the business practices adopted by Todaro Farms has not only benefited the business’s bottom line through better yields, but also resulted in improved soil fertility and overall soil health.”
“The business has successfully transitioned their soil from asparagus production with long term heavy herbicide use to leafy green vegetable production and adopted cover crop rotations to support brassica production and prevent root diseases.”
“Darren and Mark also readily share innovations, methods and sustainable farming practices with other growers in their area to improve the region’s growing practices. I congratulate them on their award.”
Hort Connections 2021 is a joint initiative between AUSVEG and the Produce Marketing Association Australia – New Zealand (PMA A-NZ). It is the premiere event for the Australian horticulture industry’s vegetable, fruit, nut, cut floral and nursery sectors.
Image credits: Andrew Beveridge
ENDS
MEDIA CONTACT: Shaun Lindhe, National Manager – Communications, AUSVEG
Mobile: 0405 977 789, Email: shaun.lindhe@ausveg.com.au