Gold Coast, Queensland – Erika Watson, a vegetable grower and business owner from New South Wales, has been presented with the AUSVEG Young Grower of the Year Award, proudly sponsored by Dow AgroSciences, at this evening’s 2015 National Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner, at Jupiters Gold Coast.

“Erika’s company, Epicurian Harvest, has led the way in providing high quality produce to some of the most high-end restaurants in Sydney and the Blue Mountains, growing and supplying quality, certified organic, speciality vegetables and fruits direct to some of the most exclusive names in the restaurant and hotel game,” said AUSVEG CEO Richard Mulcahy.

“Not only does she supply these restaurants with high quality produce, she works with them to educate consumers on what produce is seasonal, what varieties are best at what times, and how they can be grown and eaten, providing a back story to the produce that consumers are increasingly appreciating.”

“With the nature of our industry constantly changing as new technologies evolve, it is vital that the next generation of leaders demonstrate a willingness to learn, embrace new ways of doing things and share these with friends and colleagues. Erika is a prime example of this.”

The Young Grower of the Year Award is supported by Dow AgroSciences, which is a leading provider of horticultural products and services in Australia and works towards developing the growth of the Australian horticulture sector.

The award is presented to a vegetable or potato grower who has applied excellent business acumen and innovation on-farm, while also demonstrating a high level of commitment to the wider industry, and participation in industry groups and community activities.

“In addition to her work within her business, Erika has been the secretary of the NSW branch of the Ag Institute and recently became involved with a local school through sponsorship and education. She continues to demonstrate a high level of commitment to agriculture and people outside the business,” said Mr Mulcahy.

“I congratulate Erika on her award and her commitment to our industry. The Australian vegetable, potato, apple and pear industries need more young people involved, and it is important that we recognise the achievements of young growers such as Erika to ensure we foster our next generation of leaders.”

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

The 2015 National Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner was held at Jupiters Gold Coast on Saturday 27 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 2015 National Horticulture Convention, incorporating AUSVEG and Apple and Pear Australia Limited, which attracted around 1,400 delegates.

For official photos of the awards ceremony, please contact the AUSVEG media contact below.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Andrew MacDonald, Manager – Communications, AUSVEG

Phone: (03) 9882 0277, Mob: 0406 836 330, Email: andrew.macdonald@ausveg.com.au