Based in Lindenow, Bulmer has played an active role in promoting increased environmental sustainability in the vegetable industry, hosting a soil health field trial on his property to help educate growers about practices that can be implemented to improve crop health.

AUSVEG VIC spokesperson, Tom Cohen, said the award recognised Bulmer’s reputation for innovation, environmental sustainability and engaging younger generations in horticulture. “Andrew is a highly respected member of the Victorian vegetable industry, hosting field trials to educate growers about enhancing crop quality and inviting a group of secondary school students to meet with staff and management on farm to create awareness about the wide range of opportunities available through a career in horticulture. Not only has Andrew worked hard to ensure his business remains strong and competitive during tough economic times, but his willingness to try new things and help other growers along the way stands as an example to all of us.”

The AUSVEG VIC Grower of the Year Award commends outstanding achievement across all aspects of vegetable or potato production, including growing, environmental management, staff management and quality of produce. The award was one of ten that were presented at the AUSVEG VIC Awards for Excellence, held at Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club.

“As the Grower of the Year Award is the highest accolade that can be bestowed on a member of our industry, it is an impressive achievement to reach such a level of recognition,” Cohen said. “Andrew is a great example of a Victorian grower who is constantly searching for innovation both on-farm and in the products he is delivering.”

“Andrew will also be automatically nominated for the 2016 Grower of the Year at the National Horticulture Convention on the Gold Coast on 25 June, and given his stature in the Victorian and national industry, he will certainly be in contention for the prestigious award.”

The Grower of the Year Award is proudly sponsored by E. E. Muir and Sons, a company providing products and services to a wide range of rural enterprises that concentrate on high value production agriculture. The business, based in Victoria, is wholly owned by the Muir family and has over eighty years and four generations of experience.