NZ Food Brands Back New Zealand Grown Grains Campaign
Some of New Zealand’s best-loved food brands have been quick to sign up for a new campaign which reinforces their home-grown status.
The awards are dedicated to recognising, celebrating and rewarding excellence within the sector’s people and products.
Celebrating Excellence Across the Industry
Honours will be awarded in nine categories highlighting the achievements of growers and the impact they have made to the arable industry.
Nominations have been collected and finalists will be announced in July for the following categories:
- Maize Grower of the Year
- Cereal Grower of the Year
- Seed Grower of the Year
- Agronomist of the Year
- Innovation
- Positive Environmental Impact
- Working Together
The Arable Farmer of the Year will be selected from the Grower of the Year winners and an Arable Hall of Fame inductee will be selected by the awards’ organising committee.
Organising committee member Anna Heslop from the Foundation for Arable Research says it’s been a tough couple of years for arable growers, but this is a chance to celebrate just how good arable growers are at what they do.
“Previous Arable Awards events have attracted over 400 attendees looking for a great night out with family, friends and industry counterparts.”
Industry Collaboration Drives Success
The committee includes staff and growers from Federated Farmers, Foundation for Arable Research, United Wheat Growers and Seed & Grain NZ.
The event also serves as a way for growers and industry professionals to connect and share new ideas and perspectives.
The awards are now held every two years, with Marton maize grower Simon Nitschke named 2024 Arable Farmer of the Year.
Tickets are being sold on the event’s website, www.arableawards.co.nz. Held at the Wigram Air Force Museum, the reception and drink service will begin at 6pm, with dinner and the awards to follow.
