2020 Award Recipients

Grower of the Year: Howard Hansen, Hansen Orchards, Huon Valley, Tasmania

Grower of the Year is awarded to an individual who is outstanding across all aspects of production, including growing, environmental management, staff management and product quality.

When Howard Hansen started full-time on the family orchard in 1993, he began diversifying the orchard with new varieties, new growing systems and new strategies. He hasn’t stopped since. It is how the 2020 APAL Grower of the Year seems to stay ahead of the curve.

Read Howard’s full story.

Lifetime Achievement: Ian Smith, R & R Smith, Huon Valley, Tasmania

An individual who has provided motivational and inspirational leadership for the advancement of the apple and pear industry at a local community level or for the Australian apple and pear industry more generally.

R & R Smith has been producing quality apples for 130 years, and APAL 2020 Lifetime Achiever recipient Ian Smith has been around for over half of that period.

Read Ian’s full story.

Lifetime Achievement: John Robson, Mount View Orchards, Batlow, New South Wales

An individual who has provided motivational and inspirational leadership for the advancement of the apple and pear industry at a local community level or for the Australian apple and pear industry more generally.

Grower, nurseryman and current deputy chair of Batlow Apples John Robson is a lifelong supporter of research and champion of the Batlow region, always willing to share knowledge and further industry progression and still innovating himself.

Read John’s full story.

Women in Horticulture: Sandra Ceravolo, Ceravolo Orchards, Ashton, South Australia

A female industry member who has demonstrated outstanding ability and success in their chosen field, whether it is growing, research and development, farm management, or otherwise.

Sandra is just as passionate about the industry – in particular the new thinking from the next generation – as she was when she took her first steps in into it 30 years ago.

Read Sandra’s full story.

Research and Extension: Marcel Veens, Pomona, Queensland

A researcher who has a track record of research or extension work that has advanced the industry offering long-term industry benefits.

Well known across all regions, Marcel Veens’ deep knowledge, experience and passion for the industry commands immense respect and he is sought out by growers, agronomists and researchers alike for his expertise, his independence and his ability to adapt new ideas to local conditions.

Read Marcel’s full story.

Marketer of the Year: Mira Milich, Divine Fruits, Queensland

Open to any individual or team who through a marketing campaign has shown excellence in the marketing of apples and pears in Australia.

A self-proclaimed ‘connector’, Queensland-based marketer Mira Milich builds connections between growers and their buyers and consumers through grower story-telling, social media, orchard events and marketing; building trust, loyalty and, importantly, sales.

Read Mira’s full story.

Young Grower of the Year, Matthew Griggs, Huon Valley, Tasmania

A grower who champions the success of the industry and shows a commitment to innovation, helping to define the next generation of growers.

Matthew Griggs has been lauded for his professional treatment of workers under the Seasonal Workers Programme and was the recipient of a scholarship from APAL in 2019 to study a Masterclass in Horticultural Business.

Read Matthew’s full story.

APAL is proud to present the 2020 Awards of Excellence recipients, a group of outstanding individuals who have helped shape and influence our industry across all areas.

Apple and Pear Australia Ltd

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