Entries open for 2016 NSW Farmer of the Year Award
20 Jul 2016
Minister for Primary Industries, Lands and Water Niall Blair and NSW Farmers President Derek Schoen today announced applications for the 2016 NSW Farmer of the Year Award are now open.
Minister Blair said the awards are both a celebration and recognition of farming excellence through a diverse range of enterprises across NSW.
“Our farmers represent some of the most innovative, industrious primary producers, who face many challenges to produce the world’s highest quality food and fibre,” Minister Blair said.
“The state’s $12 billion primary industries sector is going from strength to strength under the stewardship of our farmers, who demonstrate drive and determination to run efficient, profitable and sustainable businesses.”
Mr Schoen described the Award as an important opportunity to promote the agriculture sector, and to identify outstanding farmers who are pushing the boundaries within their industry and in farming generally.
“The awards recognise people with outstanding management skills, and who demonstrate a combination of innovation, profitability, sustainability and community involvement,” he said.
“I strongly encourage farmers from all parts of the primary industries sector to enter.”
The successful 2016 Farmer of Year will be awarded $10,000 and the other finalists will receive $2,000.
The 2015 Winner, Cowra-based vegetable, cropping and livestock producer Ed Fagan, encouraged his colleagues to nominate an outstanding farmer, or apply themselves.
The award is an initiative of the NSW Department of Primary Industries and NSW Farmers, with support from The Land and SafeWork NSW.
Application form
Media contact: Siobhan McCarthy (Minister Blair) 0407 791 802 or Kathleen Curry (NSW Farmers) 0429 011 690
