Nominations have opened for the 2022 arable industry awards.
“We are on the hunt for our (industry’s) tall poppies, not to chop them down but to celebrate their achievements and to inspire others,” Federated Farmers arable industry chair Colin Hurst said.
“We are a sector that generates $800 million of sales a year, $260m of that in exports, and we’re determined to better highlight to fellow New Zealanders the role we play.”
The innovators and heroes of NZ’s arable industry will be recognised at an awards event next month.
This is an event put together by industry for industry, Hurst said.
Federated Farmers, the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR), United Wheatgrowers (UWG) and the NZ Grain and Seed Trade Association are working together to make the awards a showcase of the sector’s people and products, recognising, celebrating and rewarding excellence.
“Our industry involves more than $2 billion in annual direct and indirect spending and 11,310 full-time equivalent jobs.
“Not only are we world leaders in seed production, but we also grow 60% of the world’s radish seed, 50% of white clover seed and 40% of global carrot seed.
“The maize, feed and grass seeds we grow are also crucial for the NZ dairy and meat producers who drive the lion’s share of our export receipts.
“Home-grown wheat for bread products assumes even more importance with supply chain disruption and the war in Ukraine and our thriving brewing industry soaks up our barley,” Hurst said.
The growing diversity and impact of the arable industry is reflected in the fact that the 2022 awards have been expanded to eight categories, FAR chief executive Alison Stewart said.
Read: Feds celebrate arable farmers
“As well as recognising top maize, cereal and seed growers and a standout agronomist, there are awards for emerging talent, environment and sustainability, innovation and an arable food champion award open to both growers and those innovators who turn our seeds and grains into end products that consumers want to snap up,” Stewart said.
An overall winner will be chosen from the eight category winners.
“We’re building this event up to be a must attend on the arable sector calendar.
“It’s time the arable industry stood up and told the rest of NZ just how good we are, she said.
The awards event will be held at the Te Pai convention centre, Christchurch, on August 4.
Nominations are open at www.arableawards.co.nz
