Gold Coast, Queensland – News South Wales potato grower John Doyle was tonight presented with the prestigious AUSVEG Grower of the Year Award, proudly sponsored by Syngenta, at the 2015 National Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner at Jupiters Gold Coast.

The Grower of the Year Award is supported by Syngenta, which develops seeds and crop protection products for growers worldwide, and brings together the best in global agricultural research and development to help Australian growers to manage risk, drive productivity and to realise their crop’s potential.

AUSVEG CEO Richard Mulcahy affirmed that the award was in recognition of Mr Doyle’s reputation for innovation among his peers, involvement with numerous trial demonstrations on his farm, including drip irrigation, moisture monitoring and bio-fumigation, and years of dedicated involvement in the wider industry.

“Not only has John worked hard to ensure his growing business remains strong and competitive during tough economic times, but his willingness to try new things stands as an example to all of us,” said Mr Mulcahy.

AUSVEG is the leading horticultural body representing the interests Australia’s 9,000 vegetable and potato growers.

Based in New South Wales, Mr Doyle has had an active role in the trial and implementation of numerous innovative product and research projects, with his property also involved in the research phase of the DNA soil diagnostic testing service developed by South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI).

The Syngenta Grower of the Year Award commends outstanding achievement across all aspects of vegetable and potato production, including growing, environmental management, staff management and quality of produce.

 

“The Grower of the Year Award is the highest accolade that can be bestowed on a member of our industry, so to reach such a level of recognition is an impressive achievement,” said Mr Mulcahy.

“John is a great example of an Australian grower who is constantly searching for innovation both on-farm and in the products he is delivering.”

“We look forward to working with John as he continues his innovative work within the Australian potato industry over the years ahead.”

 

The 2015 National Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner on the Gold Coast honoured growers and other members of the Australian vegetable, potato, apple and pear industries for outstanding achievements. The event – the biggest in Australian horticulture – drew approximately 1,400 attendees.

 

Mr Mulcahy noted that there had been an impressive number of nominations across all award categories this year.

 

ENDS
MEDIA CONTACT: Andrew MacDonald, Manager – Communications, AUSVEG
Phone: (03) 9882 0277, Mob: 0406 836 330, Email: andrew.macdonald@ausveg.com.au