A record number of nominees have been nominated for the National Awards for Excellence – the Australian horticulture industry's most prestigious recognition – with 95 growers, marketers, businesses, researchers and industry representatives nominated in 9 award categories, including the highly-coveted Grower of the Year and Marketer of the Year awards.
The Awards will be announced on Wednesday 9 June at the National Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner, the capstone event for Hort Connections 2021. The Awards highlight the accomplishments of the industry's leaders and are an opportunity for the wider industry to celebrate the best and brightest in their field. They cover a range of areas in horticulture, including recognising outstanding growers and marketers in multiple categories, as well as researchers, innovative agribusinesses and the industry's leading exporters.
Nominations have been received from industry members from around Australia and from across the horticulture sector. Award winners are chosen by an independent panel of growers and industry stalwarts from across the supply chain.
"All nominees for the different award categories have demonstrated their commitment to the Australian horticulture industry and have made a valuable contribution to its ongoing growth and success," said Hort Connections spokesperson Nathan McIntyre.
"They are all deserving nominees who have been recognised by their peers and colleagues for their achievements. Given the high calibre and diversity of the awards' nominees, it will certainly be tough to pick a winner in each category.
"To be nominated for an award at Hort Connections is a great honour, and I would like to congratulate each nominee and wish them the best of luck. I would also like to thank those who nominated their peers and colleagues for an award in recognition of their hard work and dedication to the industry."
A joint initiative between AUSVEG and the Produce Marketing Association Australia-New Zealand (PMA A-NZ), Hort Connections 2021 is the premiere event for the horticulture industry, encompassing the vegetable, fruit, cut floral and nursery sectors.
The conference, which will be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from 7-9 June, will cater to all members of the horticulture industry, from primary producers to retailers and the entire supply chain. It is an opportunity for growers and industry members to come together in one central location to build their knowledge and networks, and find new ways to improve the productivity and profitability of their farms and secure the future of the industry.
The Hort Connections team is working with people on-the-ground at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre and in the wider Brisbane community to ensure the experience for delegates is safe and enjoyable.
