South Australia's leading horticulture growers, researchers and industry leaders have been recognised at the 2024 Premier's Horticulture Awards for Excellence, held by state industry group AUSVEG SA, which celebrates leaders across the state's $3 billion horticulture sector.
Peter Malinauskas MP, Premier of South Australia
The event marks the second time the awards have been held as the Premier's Horticulture Awards, which was renamed following a commitment by the Malinauskas Labor Government at the 2022 election to support the Awards.
Over 300 growers, members of parliament, researchers and industry leaders came together to celebrate this year's winners at a gala dinner held at the National Wine Centre on Friday 17 May 2024, which was formally opened by the Hon Peter Malinauskas MP, Premier of South Australia and Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development the Hon Clare Scriven MLC.
The winners of the 2024 Premier's Awards for Excellence are as follows:
- Frank Musolino, Musolino Farms, Grower of the Year (proudly sponsored by Peats Soil)
- Jack Cafcakis, Cafcakis Nominees, Young Grower of the Year (proudly sponsored by the SA Produce Market)
- Joe Giangregorio, Rainbow Fresh, Lifetime Achievement Award (proudly awarded by AUSVEG SA)
- Dr Anita Marquart, Biological Services, Industry Impact Award (proudly sponsored by William Buck)
- Dr Doris Blaesing, RMCG, Researcher of the Year (proudly sponsored by Corteva Agriscience)
- Alecia Leav, PN Leav Pty Ltd, Women in Horticulture Award (proudly sponsored by the Department of Primary Industry and Regions SA)
- Paul Pezzaniti, Platinum Ag Services Biosecurity Award (proudly sponsored by the Department of Primary Industry and Regions SA)
The winners will be nominated as the AUSVEG SA state-endorsed nominees for their respective categories at the National Horticulture Awards for Excellence, to be held during the Hort Connections 2024 conference in Melbourne on 7 June 2024.
AUSVEG SA CEO Jordan Brooke-Barnett said that winners of the Premier's Awards were tightly contested and represented a bright future for industry in a challenging year. "We are fortunate to have such a strong field of award winners in our state whose commitment to industry and tireless work is growing the contribution of our $3 billion sector to the state economy which plays a vital role in feeding Australia."
"I thank the Premier and Minister for supporting this year's awards and wish all our state winners luck at the National Awards in June," said Brooke-Barnett
The Hon. Clare Scriven MLC, Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development was on-hand to present awards on the night and officially open the event. "We're incredibly proud here in South Australia of our primary production which continues to be a key driver of our state's economy throughout the national and around the world," said Minister Scriven.
For more information:
Jordan Brooke-Barnett
AUSVEG SA CEO
Tel: +04 04 772 308
Email: [email protected]