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Industry awards recognise Tasmanian fruit growers
Fruit Growers Tasmania | Wednesday, 26 June 2019, 3.00pm
Members of the Tasmanian fruit industry have been recognised for their local and national leadership at local and national industry gatherings. Attendees at the 2019 Australian Apple and Pear Industry Awards breakfast celebrated the commitment and achievements of industry leaders, pioneers and rising stars.
Damian Clarke and Nick Owens received the FGT Young Growers Award, for their skill, innovative farming practices and dedication to Tasmania's respective blueberry and cherry industries. Organic apple grower and cider-maker Andrew Smith was awarded the 2019 Innovative Marketing award by APAL for his work in marketing organic apple and cider products. Prominent Geeveston apple grower John Evans received an FGT industry award for excellence for his important contributions towards supporting Tasmania's apple industry and his long-term involvement with the board of Fruit Growers Tasmania.
Apple growers Wynn Wescott Hay and Dr Harry Benjafield were also recognised for their contributions and leadership to Tasmania's fruit industries, being inducted into the Tasmanian Fruit Industry Roll of Honour.
Fruit researchers and extension leaders have also been celebrated for contributions to the industry. On Monday, TIA researcher Nigel Swarts was awarded the 2019 Researcher of the year by APAL for his work in tree fruit nutrition and fertiliser management. Retired researcher, extension officer and industry pioneer Keith Jones was also recognised for his dedication and tireless passion supporting Tasmania's fruit industries, being awarded with FGT's industry award for excellence.
