Industry’s best and brightest nominated for Horticulture Awards for Excellence 2024

29 May 2024

Innovation, best practice and passion are the common features of the 83 growers, researchers, agronomists and other industry stakeholders that make up the list of finalists for the Horticulture Awards for Excellence, announced today.

The Horticulture Awards for Excellence acknowledge and highlight Australia’s industry-leading growers and industry members, with a focus on exceptional innovation and contribution over the past 12 months.

“On behalf of AUSVEG, I congratulate all our finalists in this year’s Horticulture Awards for Excellence,” said AUSVEG National Manager – Events and Partnerships Nathan McIntyre.

“Our finalists this year come from all corners of Australian horticulture and right across the supply chain, and they represent the innovation, passion and dedication that characterise our industry.”

The winners of the nine award categories will be announced during the Hort Connections 2024 conference and trade show held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre next week.

Horticulture Awards for Excellence 2024 finalists

Syngenta Grower of the Year

Coolibah Herbs, VIC
Paul Meiers, Meiers PF & MA, QLD
Velisha Farms, VIC
Candy MacLaughlin, Skybury Farms, QLD
Gerard Alampi, Prima Fresh, VIC
Noel Mason, AG & HC Mason, SA
Macadamia Farm Management, QLD
Georgia Beattie, Bulla Mushrooms, VIC
Rocky Lamattina & Sons, VIC
Frank Musolino, Musolino Farms, SA

Corteva Agriscience Young Grower of the Year

Jeremy Trembath, Lonesome Duck Station, NT
Zeke Zalsman, Zaldeesh Farms, WA
Clinton Crust, Mt Sylvia Fresh, QLD
Jacob Jurgens, Vee Jay’s Kalfresh, QLD
Blake Reeve, Reeve Tasmania Pty Ltd, TAS
Jennifer Hulme, Hinkler Park Pty Ltd, QLD
Daniel Quattrocchi, Monikas Organics, SA
Georgia Beattie, Bulla Mushrooms, VIC
Lachlan Schreurs, Schreurs And Sons, VIC
Jack Cafcakis, Cafcakis Nominees, SA

Bayer Researcher of the Year

Vinay Pagay, University of Adelaide, SA
Stewart Lindsay, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, QLD
Sandra Dennien, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, QLD
Steele Jacob, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), WA
Sukhvinder Pal (SP) Singh, NSW Department of Primary Industries, NSW
Nancy Schellhorn, RapidAIM, QLD
Nick Diamantopoulos, Australian Garlic Producers, VIC
Michael Considine, The University of Western Australia- WA
Doris Blaesing, RMCG, VIC

Butler Market Gardens Environment & Sustainability

Jeremy Trembath, Lonesome Duck Station, NT
Craig Van Rooyen, Van Rooyen Family Trust, QLD
Grown Smart Produce, WA
End Food Waste Australia, Australian Banana Grower’s Council and Melons Australia, SA
Mitolo Family Farms, SA
Green Camel Organic Produce, NSW
Georgia Beattie, Bulla Mushrooms, VIC
Clyde Compost, VIC
Green Solutions Wide Bay, QLD
Isaac Sandercock, Propak Industries, SA

UPL Tech Innovation Award