The 2025 Horticulture Awards for Excellence were presented on 6 June during the Hort Connections Gala Dinner in Brisbane, celebrating significant contributions across Australia's horticulture industry. The awards highlighted achievements in production, research, sustainability, marketing, community engagement, and leadership, including the growing presence of women in the sector and the emergence of new talent.
The ceremony marked the conclusion of Hort Connections 2025, the Southern Hemisphere's largest horticulture conference, hosted by AUSVEG and the International Fresh Produce Association Australia-New Zealand (IFPA ANZ). This year's event attracted 3,900 delegates from Australia, New Zealand, and overseas. Hort Connections 2026 will take place in Adelaide.
Jeremy Haw of Hussey & Co in Victoria received the Grower of the Year award for leading a vertically integrated business that supplies baby salad leaves across domestic and international markets. His focus on innovation and sustainability, including solar energy use and precision agriculture, has positioned the company as a notable player in fresh produce.
Craig Dingle of Kalfresh Vegetables in Queensland was named Young Grower of the Year. Since joining the company in 2017, he has advanced to Head of Agriculture, overseeing 2,000 acres across three regions. His initiatives include the introduction of robotic harvesters and in-field technology that have improved efficiency and reduced product handling.
Dr Penny Measham from the Queensland Department of Primary Industries earned the Researcher of the Year title for her work in plant and insect physiology, plant protection, and market access. Her involvement in long-term trade initiatives has strengthened export readiness for fresh produce.
Angela Candelaro of Tripod Farmers Group in Victoria was recognised for her environmental leadership, including the adoption of robotic weeders, recyclable packaging, and efficient water and energy systems. Her work reflects a practical and scalable approach to sustainable horticulture.
Troy Qualischefski of Qualipac in Queensland received the Tech and Innovation Award for partnering with the Queensland Department of Primary Industries to pilot autonomous weeding and seeding technology that reduces labour costs and herbicide use.
Sam Licciardello of Orchard 1 Sixty in Western Australia was honoured for his community involvement, including regional events promoting WA apples and pears. His efforts have supported both public engagement and local industry visibility.
Mark Kable of Harvest Moon in Tasmania was awarded Exporter of the Year. Over the past year, the company increased exports by nearly 50%, expanding into new markets and product lines while supporting a broad network of growers.
Melita Jurgens of Vee Jay's Kalfresh in Queensland was recognised in the Women in Horticulture category for advancing sustainable practices and empowering women to pursue leadership roles in the industry.
Additional awards went to Claire McClelland of the Australian Fresh Produce Alliance for her impact on industry policy and advocacy, and Sonia Gabauer of Driscoll's Australia for leading a national marketing campaign that boosted brand engagement and retail performance.
To view the full report, click here.
For more information:
Campbell Cooney
AUSVEG
Tel: +61 0437 278 464
Email: [email protected]
www.hortconnections.com.au