Caption: Managing Director of Bulmer Farms Andrew Bulmer wins the AUSVEG VIC Grower of the Year Award.

THE AUSTRALIAN horticulture industry has today welcomed the announcement of Victorian vegetable grower Andrew Bulmer as the Kondinin Group and ABC Rural 2017 Australian Farmer of the Year, calling the award well-deserved recognition of his hard work and commitment to the industry.

Andrew Bulmer is Managing Director of Bulmer Farms, one of the country’s leading leafy vegetable growing operations.

In 2016, Mr Bulmer received the inaugural AUSVEG VIC Grower of the Year Award, and in 2011, he won the AUSVEG Young Grower of the Year Award.

“Andrew’s dedication to the Australian vegetable industry and his willingness to help other growers succeed have given him a great reputation in our sector. This award is a well-deserved honour that reflects his hard work and commitment to the industry,” said AUSVEG CEO James Whiteside.

“Andrew has shown great leadership in the efforts to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing our industry, including by promoting increased environmental sustainability and working to engage younger generations in horticulture.

“In doing so, he’s played an active role in many industry initiatives that aim to deliver benefits to all growers, from hosting soil health field trials to inviting students on farm visits so they can learn more about the huge range of career opportunities available in horticulture.

“He’s also been a driving force behind the East Gippsland Vegetable Innovation Days, a great initiative that have brought growers together to learn about industry innovations and to network.”

Hort Innovation chief executive John Lloyd said Andrew had a long history working with the horticulture Rural Research and Development Corporation, actively contributing across the full gamut of the organisation’s activities.

“From participating in overseas study tours, advisory groups and educational videos, to sharing his knowledge at workshops, Andrew has a strong track record of promoting research and development for the betterment of the industry,” he said.

“Andrew is a great role model for young growers rising up through the ranks and those who are looking to get into horticulture, an industry that is incredibly rewarding.”

AUSVEG is the leading horticultural body representing Australia’s vegetable and potato growers. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, research and development corporation for Australia’s $9B horticulture industry.