One of the vegetable industry’s highest honours was presented to Tasmanian Mr Buz Green at the AUSVEG National Awards for Excellence in Hobart tonight.

Mr Green, from the north-west coast of Tasmania, was tonight presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award, for his outstanding service to the horticulture industry. The prestigious award was presented to Mr Green for the significant contribution he has made to the Australian vegetable industry during a career that has spanned more than 32 years.

The 2012 AUSVEG National Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner were held at Wrest Point Hotel Casino in Hobart on Saturday 12 May, which honoured growers and other members of the Australian vegetable and potato industries for outstanding achievements in their field.

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

AUSVEG Chairman, John Brent, paid tribute to Mr Green’s achievements, noting the positive impact he has had on the industry through the company he helped establish, Serve-Ag Pty Ltd, of which he is now the Executive Chairman.

“For more than three decades Buz Green has been working with the Tasmanian vegetable industry to provide agronomical services to both growers and the broader industry alike. Tonight we acknowledge the dedication Mr Green has shown to the industry throughout his remarkable career,” said Mr Brent.

“While at the helm of Serve-Ag, and through a number of other agribusinesses, Buz has continued to find new ways of advancing and contributing to the industry and striving for exactly what tonight is about, excellence and achievement,” said Mr Brent.

Mr Green’s involvement with the Learn Grow project also contributed to his lifetime achievement award. The Learn Grow project has created an international database of edible plants to help combat famine in third world countries.

“Mr Green’s dedication and commitment to making a real difference to the lives of others, by calling upon his vast horticultural knowledge and industry experience is a hallmark of what the Lifetime Achievement award is representative of,” said Mr Brent.

Mr Green established the Learn Grow project through his association with the Rotary Club of Devonport North and working with Tasmanian Agricultural Scientist, Bruce French.

The AUSVEG National Convention and Awards for Excellence was attended by delegates from all over Australia as well as internationally and is now the biggest annual horticulture event in the country.

For official photos of the awards evening please contact the AUSVEG media contact below:

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: William Churchill – Public Affairs Manager, AUSVEG Phone: (03) 9822 0388, Mobile: 0411 166 748, Email: william.churchill@ausveg.com.au