Gold Coast, Queensland – Leading Tasmanian-based consultant Dr Doris Blaesing has been awarded the AUSVEG Researcher of the Year Award, proudly sponsored by Bayer CropScience at the National Awards for Excellence on the Gold Coast.

Sponsored by Bayer CropScience, one of the world’s leading innovative crop science companies in seed, crop protection and non-agricultural pest control, the award recognises a researcher who has a track record of research or extension work that has advanced the industry and offered long-term benefits.

AUSVEG CEO Mr Richard Mulcahy congratulated Dr Blaesing for her achievement, during a Gala Dinner event at Jupiters Gold Coast on Saturday 27 June.

“Dr Blaesing of RM Consulting Group (RMCG) has been awarded the AUSVEG Researcher of the Year Award for her work on the Soil Wealth Project, which is a levy-funded project that aims to highlight the importance of soil in the productivity and efficiency of crop growth,” said Mr Mulcahy.

“Dr Blaesing and the Soil Wealth team have invested a significant amount of time to ensure that this project will deliver results to growers throughout the industry that they can use to improve the efficiency and the productivity of their crops.”

“It is also a tremendous recognition for Dr Blaesing’s active involvement in a number of industry research and development workshops for both the Australian vegetable and potato industries, and a tireless commitment to promoting horticultural R&D to levy payers.”

The Soil Wealth project is jointly run by RMCG and Applied Horticultural Research (AHR) and supported by Horticulture Innovation Australia.

To receive the award, researchers must also have actively communicated research outcomes, encouraged uptake on-farm, and have contributed research or extension work that advances the reputation of Australian science internationally.

“Dr Blaesing has a track record of participating in research projects which have significantly advanced the industry, and has promoted their results extensively throughout the industry,” said Mr Mulcahy.

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

The National Awards for Excellence is a highlight of the industry’s calendar and is the capstone of the National Horticulture Convention, incorporating AUSVEG and Apple and Pear Australia Limited. The event is the largest in Australian horticulture, with around 1,400 delegates attending.

“These awards celebrate the members of the Australian horticulture industry who lead by example – they are the heroes whose passions are too often unrecognised by those outside the Australian vegetable industry,” said Mr Mulcahy.

For photographs, or to request an interview with award winners, please make contact with the AUSVEG representative below.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Andrew MacDonald, Manager – Communications, AUSVEG

Phone: (03) 9882 0277 | Mobile: 0406 836 330 | E-mail: andrew.macdonald@ausveg.com.au