AUSVEG SA State Manager, Jordan Brooke-Barnett, congratulated Duy on the award and said it recognised his industry-wide reputation for innovation, grower engagement and developing export capability.

“Duy has been a long-time advocate for the Vietnamese growing community in South Australia, which has contributed significantly to the state’s vegetable industry,” said Mr Brooke-Barnett. “Not only has Duy worked hard to ensure his business remains strong and competitive during tough economic times, which have hurt many South Australian growers, but his willingness to try new things and help other growers along the way stands as an example to all of us.” 

The AUSVEG SA Grower of the Year Award commends outstanding achievement across all aspects of vegetable and potato production, including growing, environmental management, staff management and quality of produce.

“The Grower of the Year Award is the highest accolade that can be bestowed on a member of our industry, so to reach such a level of recognition is an impressive achievement,” Brooke-Barnett said.

“Duy is a great example of a South Australian grower who is constantly looking for ways to help other growers in his community and develop his business to increase productivity and profitability. We look forward to working with Duy as he continues his innovative work within the South Australian vegetable industry and the Vietnamese Farmers Association of South Australia for many years to come.”

“Duy will also be automatically nominated for the 2016 Grower of the Year award at the National Horticulture Convention on the Gold Coast on 25 June and, given his stature in the South Australian and national industry, he would certainly be a worthy recipient.”

Brooke-Barnett noted that there had been an impressive number of nominations across all award categories this year. “Each individual and business who was nominated for an award has demonstrated their commitment and dedication to the industry, and I congratulate all of the award winners on their success.”

The Grower of the Year Award is proudly sponsored by Peats Soil, which is a second-generation, wholly South Australian company focused on receiving, processing and marketing recyclable organic resources in bulk and bag forms. Peats has supported AUSVEG SA since its inception and is a world leader in sustainable and innovative organics recycling.