Potato and vegetable growers have vied for the honourable title of top producers as part of Simplot's Annual Grower Awards in Tasmania.

 

The annual Awards, which have been in place since 1997, stand as a symbol of recognition and appreciation for the remarkable work carried out by Tasmania's potato and vegetable growers during the 2022-2023 harvest season.

 

Les Murdoch, General Manager Agricultural Services, expressed the importance of the Awards, saying, "The Simplot Grower Awards allow us to pause and acknowledge all our growers' efforts and the vital role they play in providing quality produce and sustaining the local industry."

 

"At the event, we award our best growers and harvesters from the Ulverstone, Scottsdale, and Midlands areas. However, we are especially delighted to celebrate the young upcoming growers who have shown exceptional talent and promise, as well as individuals who have been contributing to our industry for generations."

 

In the spirit of fostering the industry, Mr. Murdoch emphasised the importance of cherishing local industry and supporting Australian farmers. He shared, "We feel fortunate to work alongside more than 300 hardworking Australian growers who supply over 400,000 tonnes of produce to Simplot annually, which Aussie families then enjoy through our loved and trusted Birds Eye and Edgell products."

 

As the years go by, the tradition of the Awards continues to thrive, hoping to inspire further innovation and excellence in the agricultural sector. With genuine appreciation, Simplot wishes to extend thanks to all its growers and offers warm congratulations to this year's winners. Winners will receive a travel voucher as a token of gratitude for their outstanding contribution during the 2022-2023 season.

 

 

The Simplot Grower Awards 2022/2023 went to:

  • Tasmanian Potato Harvest Contractor of the Year 2022: Smith BA & DL – Brett Smith
  • North West Potato Grower of the Year 2022: Snare RJ & JL – Rob Snare
  • Scottsdale Potato Grower of the Year 2022: Rattray CL NE & HM PTY LTD – Heath Rattray
  • Midlands Potato Grower of the Year 2022: Gibson AG PTY LTD – Greg Gibson
  • Seed Potato Grower of the Year 2022: Wilson GG – Grant Wilson
  • Most Improved Potato Grower of the Year 2022: Dow RM & AJ (SEED) – Rory Dow
  • North West Vegetable Grower of the Year 2022: Cresswell Holdings – Jason Cresswell
  • Midlands Vegetable Grower of the Year 2022: Bond Eastfield – Sam Bond

Individuals who have provided extended service and continue to build and share knowledge that advances the potato and vegetable industry and agriculture across Tasmania were recognised. The recipients of these Service Awards were:

  • Simplot Australia Award for Services to the Potato & Vegetable Industry 2023: Stuart Greenhill – Greenhill Bros Trust
  • Simplot Australia Agricultural Service Award for Excellence 2023: Garry Mcnab, Field Officer Simplot.

The Awards also celebrate those new to the industry with the Young Growers of the Year. Winners of this award receive a place in the Cultivating Rural Excellence Program, which helps them develop their own business and provides them with the tools to prosper. This year the Young Grower Awards went to:

  • Simplot Young Grower of the Year 2023 – Potatoes: Adam Davison – Davison AS & MA
  • Simplot Young Grower of the Year 2023 – Vegetables: Nick Eyles – Hillcrest Family Trust