Nominations are now open for the vegetable industry’s landmark event which recognises excellence in Australia’s horticulture industry, AUSVEG CEO, Richard Mulcahy, said today.

The National Awards for Excellence gala dinner will be held on 29 May 2010, in conjunction with the inaugural AUSVEG National Convention and Trade Show, which runs from 27 to 30 May at Jupiters Hotel Casino on the Gold Coast.

AUSVEG is the national peak industry body representing the interests of around 9,000 vegetable and potato growers around Australia.

‘The passion and excellence shown by people working within the immensely valuable vegetable and potato growing industries deserves recognition,’ Mr Mulcahy said.

‘The awards recognise the hard work of the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes in putting food on the table for Australian families,’ he said.

Growers and other industry members only have a few weeks to nominate themselves or their colleagues for consideration, with nominations closing on 24 April 2010.

Award categories open for nomination include:
€ Grower of the Year – Sponsored by Syngenta
€ Researcher of the Year – Sponsored by Bayer CropScience
€ Industry Recognition Award – Sponsored by DuPont
€ Productivity Partner Award – Sponsored by Elders
€ Industry Impact Award – Sponsored by Boomaroo Nurseries
€ Young Grower of the Year – Sponsored by Dow Agro Sciences
€ Innovative Marketing Award – Sponsored by Brisbane Produce Market
€ Women in Horticulture Award

A special award to be also announced is the Premier’s Award.

The Honourable Peter Lawlor MP, Minister for Tourism and Fair Trading in Queensland, will represent the Honourable Anna Bligh, Premier for Queensland, in presenting the award to a deserving member of the vegetable industry.

Australian football legend, Robert ‘Dipper’ DiPierdomenico, will be the Master of Ceremonies for the evening .

Nomination forms can be obtained by contacting AUSVEG on 03 9544 8098, at info@ausveg.com.au or by visiting the AUSVEG website at www.ausveg.com.au.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Hugh Tobin, Communications Manager, AUSVEG
Ph: (03) 9544 8098, Mob: 0431 939 920, Email: hugh.tobin@ausveg.com.au