NOMINATIONS are now open for Syngenta’s 2017 Growth Awards which recognise growers and advisers whose innovative work is helping ensure a sustainable future for Australasian agriculture.

The 2016 Growth Awards winners (L-R back row) Michael Fels, Tayah Ryan, Allan Fong, (L-R front row) David Cameron, Randall Wilksch and Tommy Le.

Syngenta territory head – Australasia, Paul Luxton, said the awards were highly respected in the region’s agricultural industry.

“The Growth Awards acknowledge and celebrate leading innovators who are working towards a more sustainable future for Australasian agriculture,” Mr Luxton said.

“Our nominees are at the forefront of adopting new practices and technologies which improve sustainability by increasing quality and yields while minimising the impact on land and the environment.  They are also continuously looking for new ways to support the communities in which they live and work.”

The awards, now in their fourth year, will see growers and advisers nominated in three categories:

• The Productivity category focuses on the use of best practices to achieve consistent productivity gains;
• The Sustainability category recognises the commitment to addressing industry issues to create a long-term future for farming; and
• The Community and People category highlights the leading contribution of nominees to their agricultural community, employees and fellow growers.

From the pool of regional finalists, 25 regional winners will be chosen to progress to the final round of judging.  The seven Australasian winners will be announced at a gala dinner in Sydney in November, with the winners securing a place on a world-class agricultural study tour in 2018.

Last year’s Growth Award winners are currently participating on a study tour of the UK and Europe.

They will be visiting innovative farming operations and Syngenta’s largest research and development facility in Jealott’s Hill, England, to learn about new technologies and farm inputs.

They will also be attending one of Europe’s premier farming events, Cereals 2017, as well as touring the Case IH plant in St Valentin, Austria.

“Every year, the Growth Awards attracts outstanding nominees who are driving Australasian agriculture to a more sustainable and productive future; this year will be no different.”

The Growth Awards supports the goals of Syngenta’s Good Growth Plan, which addresses the challenges of producing more with less, protecting the viability of farmland and promoting prosperous rural communities.

Under the plan, Syngenta has made six specific commitments designed to increase crop productivity, improve land fertility, enhance biodiversity, empower smallholders, train farm workers and strive for fair labour conditions across the entire supply chain.

“The Good Growth Plan outlines how Syngenta is helping to address the challenges agriculture faces around the world and support the long-term sustainability of feeding a growing global population.”

Source: Syngenta