Agri awards close Thursday

Entries close this week for this year’s Food and Fibre Gippsland Excellence in Agribusiness Awards.

A number of award categories have been expanded this year with a major feature being the introduction of a new female leadership award.

The new Gippsland Female Agribusiness Leader of the Year has been added to the list, with an opportunity for the winner to take part in Leadership Victoria’s women’s leadership program.

Entries for this year’s awards program close on June 25.

The awards program crosses all food and fibre sectors to recognise farm businesses (pre and post farmgate) that have demonstrated innovation and excellence in their business practices that maximise productivity and profitability – shaping the future of Gippsland agribusiness.

The awards will be critiqued by an independent judging panel including business leaders who have a broad understanding of food and fibre and business management.

There are 13 “excellence” categories including Service to the Food and Fibre Industry, Sustainability, Workforce Capability, Entrepreneurship, Excellence in the Fibre Industry, Excellence in Innovation, Excellence in Exporting, Excellence in Safety, Excellence in Collaborative Partnerships, Excellence in Research and Development and Excellence in Adaption to Change.

There are two awards for excellence in Food and Drink Manufacturing – one for businesses with less than 10 employees, and one for those who employ more than 10 people.