Gold Coast, Queensland – Leading Northern Territory vegetable industry member Greg Owens has been recognised for his tireless efforts to protect and maintain the Territory’s biosecurity with the DuPont Community Stewardship Award at this evening’s 2016 National Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner.

AUSVEG National Marketing Manager Nathan McIntyre praised Mr Owens, who has contributed significantly to Northern Territory vegetable growers dealing with and responding to Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV).

“Incorporating proper biosecurity protocols into growing operations is more important than ever, especially in the Northern Territory, where proper management of CGMMV is a vital part of ongoing control efforts,” said Mr McIntyre.

“Greg provided a vital link between the Northern Territory Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries and growers during the initial stages of the outbreak, and now continues to perform a crucial role in linking the CGMMV Management Program to industry.”

To receive this award, an individual or business must implement a system or program of safe storage, and use of on-farm materials above and beyond industry standards, and is also required to demonstrate the responsible planning and management of resources, leading to beneficial environmental impacts.

Mr McIntyre said the award also recognised Mr Owens’ community spirit and engagement with the Northern Territory growing community, especially the Vietnamese horticulture community, and his considerable involvement in the drumMUSTER program, through which he educates local growers on safe on-farm storage techniques for chemicals.

Mr McIntyre congratulated Mr Owens and noted the high calibre of nominations across all Awards for Excellence categories this year.

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

The Community Stewardship Award is proudly sponsored by DuPont, a global leader in crop protectant research and development that encourages the responsible and efficient use of agricultural products, and recognises an individual or business that has engaged in local or national community events and initiatives with the objective of developing the wider industry.

The 2016 National Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner was held at RACV Royal Pines on Saturday 25 June, and honoured growers and other members of the Australian vegetable, potato, apple and pear industries for outstanding achievements in their respective fields.

The event was the capstone event for the 2016 National Horticulture Convention, incorporating seven co-hosts from across the horticulture industry, which attracted around 1,500 delegates. For official photos of the awards ceremony, please contact the AUSVEG representative below.

MEDIA CONTACT: Shaun Lindhe, National Manager – Communications, AUSVEG
Phone: (03) 9882 0277, Mob: 0405 977 789, Email: shaun.lindhe@ausveg.com.au