USA
May 29, 2018
Corteva Agriscience, the Agriculture Division of DowDuPont, has announced the ten nominees for the 2018 Hort Connections Young Grower of the Year Award.
The ten candidates, based in Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales, Northern Territory and Western Australia, are involved in the production of a wide range of quality produce including: baby leaf; baby broccoli; potatoes; kale; apples and pears and mushrooms.
The Young Grower of the Year Award will be presented as part of the 2018 National Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner on Wednesday 20 June, during the Hort Connections convention at the Brisbane Convention Centre. The national award, proudly sponsored by Corteva Agriscience, honours young growers (aged 35 and under) in the Australian horticulture industry who demonstrate a high level of commitment to innovation, and who are dedicated to enriching their local communities and enhancing the agriculture profession.
The Ten nominees of the 2018 Hort Connections Young Grower of the Year Award, sponsored by Corteva Agriscience are:
- Andres Cruz - Butler Market Gardens - VIC
- Chris McLoghlin - Wattle Organic Farms Pty Ltd - VIC
- Chris Pham - Thanh Nha Vegetables - NT
- Daniel Hammond - Bulmer Farms - VIC
- Daniel Quattrochi - Monika’s Organics - SA
- Jake Shadbolt - Scotties Point Farm - VIC
- Mitch East - Willarra Gold - WA
- Nathan Barolli - Barolli Orchards - VIC
- Olivia Ryan - McCain’s - VIC
- Steph Corrigan - Corrigans Produce Farms - VIC
Award nominee, Mitchell East, a 25-year-old tropical fruit and vegetable grower from Manjimup in Western Australia said he is pleased to be in the running for this year’s award.
‘I’m happy to be one of the ten nominees for 2018. It’s an unexpected surprise to be recognised in this way. The award is important as it showcases the prospects and leadership opportunities in the horticulture sector for the younger generation,’ he said.
Ms Oliva Ryan, an agronomist from Victoria and fellow award nominee, echoed Mr East’s sentiments.
‘I’m delighted to be nominated. The next generation of Australian growers needs to come through and the Young Grower of the Year award helps recognise the contributions we make to keep the industry going forward,’ she said.
AUSVEG, the industry representative body for the Australian vegetable and potato industries, manages the 2018 National Awards for Excellence, including the Young Grower of the Year Award.
James Whiteside, AUSVEG CEO, said, “The Australian horticulture industry needs more young people involved and it’s important that we continue to recognise the achievements of young growers, such as our ten 2018 nominees, to ensure we foster the next generation of leaders”.
Nick Koch, Marketing Manager for Horticulture & Insecticides for Corteva Agriscience explained. “We are proud to continue our support for the Young Grower of the Year Award. It’s vital that our industry recognises and celebrates the achievements of outstanding young growers.”
“We congratulate all ten young growers for their outstanding contributions to the horticulture industry and look forward to announcing the winner at the 2018 National Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner on 20 June in Brisbane.”
The Hort Connections conference is the biggest event in Australian horticulture. Taking place over three days, it attracts buyers and sellers from every segment of the fresh produce chain including seed companies, growers, packers, processors, shippers, importers and exporters, wholesalers and retailers, foodservice and associated suppliers to the industry.
A number of nominees are planning to attend Hort Connections this year.
‘I went to Hort Connections last year and will be going again this year. Farming is fairly solitary work, so events like Hort Connections are great opportunities to exchange ideas with like-minded people, network with interesting people and make new contacts,’ said nominee Mitchell East.
'I haven’t attended before but it looks like a great event and chance to see what’s happening and meet new people across the sector,’ said Olivia Ryan.
For more information about the 2018 Young Grower of the Year Award and the nominees, visit www.alliancewithscience.com.au
About Corteva Agriscience
Corteva Agriscience™ is the Agriculture Division of DowDuPont which brings together DuPont Crop Protection, DuPont Pioneer and Dow AgroSciences to create a standalone agriculture company with leading positions in seed technologies and crop protection. Corteva Agriscience has developed some of the best talent, technology, innovation and R&D capabilities that will help farmers grow better, abundant and healthier crops while using fewer natural resources.
About the Hort Connections National Awards
The National Awards for Excellence recognise the outstanding contributions that individuals and companies make to the Australian industry and will be presented throughout Hort Connections 2018, including at the renowned Hort Connections Gala Dinner.
Topics
Species
