Queensland has taken out three top awards at this year’s AUSVEG National Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner – including the prestigious Grower of the Year Award – cementing the state’s position as a major player in the Australian horticulture industry.

The Syngenta Grower of the Year Award was presented to Mr Matt Hood, Director of Rugby Farms in the state’s Lockyer Valley.

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

Queensland award winners were congratulated by AUSVEG Chairman, John Brent, who highlighted that AUSVEG had received an impressive amount of nominations across all award categories in 2013.

“Australia possesses some of the very best vegetable growers on this planet, and to be recognised by the national industry is an accomplishment of which to be extremely proud,” said Mr Brent.

“Matt Hood’s generous donation of his time and resources to hold field days on his property, as well as an active role in industry forums, demonstrates his passion for sharing his knowledge with other vegetable growers,” said Mr Brent.

Two additional Awards for Excellence were won by Queensland growers and companies, including John Deere, one of the world’s largest agribusinesses, who took home the Elders Productivity Partner Award. 

“John Deere is pioneering some of the most exciting technology we have ever seen in horticulture. The company’s driverless tractors – which allow growers to tend to their operations from outside of the cabin – are the future of our industry,” said Mr Brent.

The Steritech Women in Horticulture Award winner, Belinda Adams, was recognised for her significant contribution to the Australian vegetable industry and her family business, Coastal Hydroponics.

“Belinda’s commitment to the Australian vegetable industry is evident through her role in the vegetable Consumer Alignment Design Team and the industry’s Enviroveg Committee, as well as her marked capabilities in managing and furthering the family business,” said Mr Brent.

The 2013 AUSVEG National Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner was held at Jupiters Gold Coast, Queensland, on Saturday 1 June, and honoured growers and other members of the Australian vegetable and potato industries for outstanding achievements in their respective fields. 

The National Convention– the biggest in Australian horticulture – saw around 1,000 delegates in attendance. 

For official photos of the awards ceremony, or interviews with winners, please contact the AUSVEG media contact below.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: William Churchill, Communications and Public Affairs Manager, AUSVEG
Ph: (03) 9822 0388, Mob: 0411 166 748, Email: william.churchill@ausveg.com.au.