AFTER COVID canned last year's event, Victorian vegetable growers are set to celebrate their industry with heightened gusto at this year's Ausveg Vic and EE Muir & Sons Awards for Excellence Dinner 2021.
The awards will take place on May 7 at the Victorian Cricket Club from 7pm.
Members of Ausveg Vic, plus Victorian growers, sponsors, affiliate members and research partners will be in attendance.
Organisers expect to fulfil the venue's restricted capacity of 125 people.
There are six awards in all:
- EE Muir & Sons Grower of the Year Award
- Young Grower of the Year Award
- Boomaroo Nurseries Women in Horticulture Award
- Butler Market Gardens Environmental & Sustainability Award
- VegNET Victoria R&D Adoption and Industry Impact Award
- Community Stewardship Award
The awards aim to unite the Victorian vegetable industry for the state-based awards, prior to the National Awards for Excellence at the Hort Connections conference in June.
The Ausveg Vic Awards for Excellence have been going since 2016, shining the spotlight on some of the highest achieving Victorian vegetable growers in the industry.
It offers a chance for the Victorian vegetable and potato value chain to come together to develop new and strengthen existing connections.
Ausveg Vic state manager, Tim Withers, said since its inception in 2016, the awards have highlighted and acknowledged growers and industry members within Victoria who have been active contributors or standout performers in their respective field of contribution to Victorian horticulture.
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"The cancellation of the 2020 Victorian event was a product of last year's environment," Mr Withers said.
"Since early 2020, the industry has been fragmented with the effects of COVID-19 - many growers with retail contracts were scrambling to meet unforeseen demand one moment, and then slow down operations when demand tapered off.
"Industry has also seen labour shortages, and the closure of the food service industry devastated some businesses with very limited government support for some that truly needed it.
"This year's awards provide the opportunity to celebrate the versatility, adaptability and resilience of Victoria's vegetable growers - the faces behind much of the world's healthiest, premium quality food."
Mr Withers said the awards dinner also showcases the Victorian industry and its associates and supporters.
"The event is about showcasing the industry and the supporting businesses who help enable Victoria's vegetable growers to achieve their daily performance production and efficiency levels," he said.
For more information or to register, visit: https://www.ausvegvic.com.au/ausveg-vic-awards-for-excellence/
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