Congratulations to Terry Martella from Santa Rita Orchard, WA for receiving the Innovation Partner Award at the Hort Connections 2018 combined industry Awards for Excellence.

From left: Phil Turnbull, Susie Murphy White, Nardia Stacy, Terry Martella, Carol Martella, Steele Jacob and Paul Good. Terry Martella received the Innovation Partner Award at the Hort Connections Gala Dinner.

Terry was nominated for the Innovation Partner Award as he has been at the forefront of driving innovation and taking on the challenge to try something new and different. He has been implementing new projects like the intensive 2D training systems for their 2.8ha Bravo block and 2.1ha Modi block which is all under net and ready to see the implementation of robots. They are also grafting older varieties to newer varieties and netting a substantial amount of the orchard.

A twin stem planting will be established this year and includes a trial with rootstock that have not been grown in WA. Along with being a local industry leader he has been inspirational in his mentoring of nephew Basil and son Mark of becoming the next generation of orchardists for Santa Rita.

Terry is always open to trying new technology, growing systems, new varieties and demonstrating to Basil and Mark how to grow great fruit. He also encourages them to participate in industry events and projects ensuring the next generation will become great industry leaders.

Terry and Carol Martella with the Innovation Partner Award and certificate.

Terry has been described as an enthusiastic member of any industry group from the local Donnybrook Orchard Improvement Group to the state based grower body or Future Orchards® community orchard group. He is always keen to take on trials in his orchard, invite others into his orchard and contribute to planning new trials for the region.

The Martella family has been growing fruit since 1933 and they currently grow apples, pears and stone fruit on their 30ha orchard in Kirup.

Video: Terry Martella receives Innovative Partner Award.

________________________________________________________________________________________

Congratulations to all Hort Connections award recipients

Women in Horticulture

Rachel Mackenzie, Growcom

Environmental Award

Frank & Dianne Sciacca

Industry Impact Award

DanYang Ying

Researcher of the Year

Jessica Page

Young Grower of the Year

Chris McLoghlin

Grower of the Year

Scott Samuel, Eastbrook Vegetable Farms

 

A list of finalists can be found on the Hort Connections website.