AUSVEG National Marketing Manager, Nathan McIntyre, said that the award recognised Parrish’s potential as a future industry leader, as well as his participation in the industry more broadly. Jacob consistently demonstrates impressive leadership skills far beyond his years, which has been noticed by his peers and others in the industry. By playing an ongoing lead role in his business and demonstrating his passion for the Australian industry as a whole, he has proven himself to be a worthy recipient of this award.”

Proudly supported by Coles, the Rising Star of the Year Award recognises an individual who displays exceptional commitment and passion towards the horticulture industry, while also actively contributing to the organisation and/or management of a farm or company. Recipients are innovative, challenge convention, implement efficient practices on-farm and actively engage with the wider industry.

Aside from his leadership role as Operations Manager at Farm Gate Packing, which is part of the Organic Farm Gate, Parrish also participated on the 2014 European Industry Leadership and Development Mission, which he claimed was a hugely beneficial experience.

“With his impressive work ethic and desire to help those in the vegetable industry, Jacob is just the sort of rising star our industry needs to remain prosperous in to the future.”

The 2016 National Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner honoured growers and other members of the Australian vegetable, potato, apple and pear industries for outstanding achievements in their respective fields.

The dinner was the capstone event of the 2016 National Horticulture Convention, with seven industry co-hosts delivering the biggest and most successful event in Australian horticulture that attracted around 1,500 delegates.