HIGHLY regarded role model and mentor within the vegetable industry, Angela Ruffo, won this year's Women in Horticulture Award.
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Sponsored by Boomaroo Nurseries, the award was given at the Hort Connections 2023 Horticulture Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner, in Adelaide on June 7.
The third generation market gardener was recognised for her demonstrated outstanding ability and success in her chosen field.
Ms Ruffo grew up on her parents' market garden, F&M Candeloro, ultimately taking over the business.
The operation became Tripod Farmers in 1989.
Today, Tripod Farmers grows vegetables, primarily leafy greens, on 404 hectares (1000 acres) across Western Melbourne and Gippsland in Victoria.
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Ms Ruffo's role in the business grew from being very hands on in the early days to managing the quality assurance and harvest teams, and she now serves as a director and oversees all areas of the business.
The award was a successful follow-on from her Women in Horticulture Award received at the 2023 AusVeg Vic awards in May.
Ausveg chief executive officer Michael Coote said Ms Ruffo has been a role model for many of her colleagues, and served the broader industry, particularly women.
"Her availability for a chat and advice has helped many in the industry work through issues of combining family and career, work life balance and overcoming the challenges faced by women in horticulture," Mr Coote said.
"The support Angela has given others is evidenced by the respect many in the industry hold for her, and in the well-deserved presentation of the Boomaroo Nurseries Women in Horticulture Award at Hort Connections 2023.
"Women are a vital part of the Australian horticulture sector, and mentors like Angela are critical to helping more women enter and thrive in our industry."
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