Horticulture
Awards for
Excellence 2026
Acknowledging and highlighting Australasia's industry-leading growers and industry members
with a focus on their exceptional innovation and contribution over the past 12 months.
Hort Connections 2026 sees the return of The Horticulture Awards for Excellence. Taking place throughout the entire conference, this is a celebration and opportunity for recognition of the game-changing improvements and achievements made by exceptional individuals and companies within the horticulture industry.
Horticulture Awards Categories
SYNGENTA GROWER OF THE YEAR
nomination criteria
- A fresh produce grower/business that is outstanding across all aspects of production, including: growing, product quality, environmental management and staff management.
- A grower/business that is innovative, challenges convention and implements efficient practices (such as integrated pest management, minimising wastage, water conservation, precision agriculture, technology advances, and value-adding to product).
- A grower/business that actively contributes to the broader industry (such as participating in industry committees, forums, international R&D tours, conferences or field days).
- Nominations closed.
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SEEKA MARKETER OF THE YEAR AWARD PRODUCED BY IFPA AND PRODUCE PLUS
nomination criteria
- Now in its fourteenth year, the Seeka Marketer of the Year Award produced by IFPA and Produce Plus celebrates marketing excellence.
- Open to both individuals and marketing teams from any part of the value chain, the award recognises outstanding achievement in marketing within the fresh fruit, vegetable and floral industries across Australia and New Zealand.
- International marketing campaigns conducted by Australian and New Zealand-based entities are permitted.
- Each nomination is assessed on the ability to deliver a highly visible and effective marketing campaign. The award is presented by IFPA A-NZ and Produce Plus Magazine, and is proudly sponsored by Seeka.
- Nominations close 21st April, 2025.
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UPL TECH INNOVATION AWARD
nomination criteria
- A business that has implemented a technology-focused innovation in the Australian or New Zealand fresh produce sector.
- Judged on concept, value, delivery and impact.
- Open to both individuals and teams from any part of the supply chain.
- Nominations closed.
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CORTEVA AGRISCIENCE YOUNG GROWER OF THE YEAR
nomination criteria
- A fresh produce grower who champions the success of the industry and shows a commitment to innovation, helping to define the next generation of growers.
- A future leader who demonstrates a high level of commitment to the industry, helps to enrich the national industry or the community in which they operate, and works with external stakeholders to introduce new perspectives.
- A grower who is committed to enhancing agriculture and land health.
- Nominations closed.
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BAYER RESEARCHER OF THE YEAR
nomination criteria
- A researcher who has a track record of research or extension work that has advanced the industry, offering long term industry benefits.
- A researcher who actively communicates research outcomes and encourages uptake of outcomes on-farm.
- A researcher who contributes research or extension work that advances the reputation of Australian science internationally.
- Nominations closed.
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VISY INDUSTRY IMPACT AWARD
- An individual, business or organisation that has invested in creating or has implemented a system of technology or business practice outside of the industry norm.
- An individual, business or organisation that has showed leadership in advocacy, policy development, technical input or tool development to deliver positive outcomes across the horticulture sector.
- A technology or practice has resulted in a significant contribution to best farm practice or in cost savings through the value chain.
- A technology or practice that is not in common usage by industry and will provide a commercial and competitive advantage.
- Nominations closed.
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NAB WOMEN IN HORTICULTURE AWARD
- A female industry member who has demonstrated outstanding ability and success in their chosen field, whether it is growing, farm management, research and development, or other roles within the horticulture industry.
- An individual who is proactive and has shown commitment to achieving success in the industry.
- An individual who has a reputation for mentoring women in horticulture.
- Nominations closed.
nomination criteria
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MUIRS COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AWARD
- An individual or business that is proactive in developing and/or implementing a system or program of safe storage and use of on-farm materials above and beyond industry standards.
- An individual or business that engages in local or national community events/initiatives with the objective of developing the wider industry.
- An individual or business that demonstrates the responsible planning and management of resources, leading to beneficial environmental impacts.
- Nominations closed.
nomination criteria
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BUTLER MARKET GARDENS ENVIRONMENTAL & SUSTAINABILITY AWARD
- An individual or business that has demonstrated a commitment to implement sustainable farming practices on farm or across the supply-chain.
- An individual or business that has shown leadership in promoting sustainable practices within the industry.
- An individual or business that has developed an innovative solution to meet an environmental challenge on-farm.
- An individual or business that has shown leadership in promoting environmental issues in the local and wider community.
- Nominations closed.
nomination criteria
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HORT INNOVATION EXPORTER OF THE YEAR
- A fresh produce grower/business who has demonstrated a strong commitment to exporting.
- An individual or business that has invested in building a sustainable export capability in their business.
- An individual or business who has actively contributed to activities that will assist the industry to increase fresh produce exports.
- Nominations closed.
nomination criteria
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Nominations will open soon.
Should you have any queries about the Horticulture Awards for Excellence 2026, please email info@hortconnections.com.au to speak to a member of the Hort Connections team.