Top apple and pear growers celebrated at 2020 APAL awards

Tasmania's Howard Hansen, of Hansen Orchards in the Huon Valley, is 2020 Grower of the Year for his innovative approach to growing, and work in promoting healthy eating habits to Tasmanian children.

South Australia was represented by passionate next generation mentor and advocate Sandra Ceravolo from the Adelaide Hills who received the Women in Horticulture award.

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Another of the industry's female leaders recognised was Queensland's Mira Milich (Marketer of the Year) whose powerful grower stories helped build consumer loyalty and sales.

The famed 'Apple Isle' fared well in the awards, with fellow Tasmanians Matthew Griggs (Young Grower of the Year) and Ian Smith (Lifetime Achievement award) also receiving accolades.

For Mr Smith, the award paid tribute to his contribution across six decades to the Australian apple and pear industry.

Fellow 2020 Lifetime Achiever Batlow orchardist John Robson was also recognised for his lifelong support for the Batlow apple industry, and for research and innovation.

Marcel Veens (Research and Extension Award), Queensland, was recognised for his depth of knowledge and ability to adapt ideas to different conditions and motivate innovation.

The awards acknowledge the outstanding contributors who help shape and influence the apple and pear industry across all areas, from researching and growing through to marketing and exporting.

With the cancellation of the APAL Industry Forum in June due to the COVID-19 restrictions, APAL's 2020 awards were announced in the spring issue of APAL's AFG magazine.

"The APAL Awards for Excellence recognise the tremendous contribution of each and every award recipient," APAL chief executive officer, Phil Turnbull, said.

"They are a wonderful reflection on the apple and pear industry's progress, innovation and its people."

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