The hard work and contribution to agriculture of two Nuffield Scholars has been recognised in the 2023 Delicious Produce Awards, revealed this morning.
Tasmania's Richard Weston, a 2012 Scholar who studied white asparagus and its gourmet market potential, received the 'Unearthed Producer' award. It recognises farmers who are "challenging the status quo and finding new ways to produce innovative, high-quality, nutritious, flavoursome food in an environmentally sustainable way".
Jason Cotter, a 2020 Scholar who will soon present the findings of his research, received a 'From the Earth' award for his work running Tuerong Farm. Mr Cotter grows and mills heritage, ancient and modern grains and studied grain diversity and adding value in specialist markets.
Nuffield Australia Chair Robert Bradley congratulated both scholars and said their accolades were well-deserved and hard-won.
"Nuffield Scholars, by nature, are innovators," Mr Bradley said. "So we're thrilled to see both Mr Weston and Mr Cotter championing great things for the agriculture industry.
"Mr Weston's award comes after only his first year of commercial sales to leading restaurants in his new business, Tasmanian White Asparagus, making it all the more impressive."
Mr Bradley, said Mr Weston was a great example of a small producer who has utilised his scholarship to build an international network of expertise to help pioneer a new niche industry in Australia.
"White asparagus is a highly prized ingredient in premium and hatted restaurants across Europe," Mr Bradley said.
"Australian chefs have not had access to this delicacy until now. Nuffield Australia is very proud to be a part of the journey Richard has taken to deliver white asparagus to Australian tables and this award is richly deserved."
Findings of a passion for flour
Mr Bradley said the award-winning flours produced at Tuerong Farm are now complimented by further recognition of its owner and operator, Mr Cotter.
Mr Cotter's research has focused on identifying propagation and processing techniques that prioritise flavour and establishing winter wheats with greater climate resilience.
"Mr Cotter is passionate about cultivars and practices that prioritise flavour, nutrition and sustainability over convenience," Mr Bradley said.
"It's yet another example of the way in which Nuffield Scholars help Australia feed the world more sustainably and with products of increasing quality."
Mr Cotter will formally present the findings of his scholarship at the Nuffield National Conference, to be held in Perth on 11-13 September. Register to attend and hear his presentation here: https://www.nuffield.com.au/conference-2023.
The Delicious Prouce Awards, presented annually, "champions Australia's best primary and artisan food producers ". The awards are run by News Life Media's Delicious magazine.
