A Sunshine Coast organic farmer, a Sydney tea company, and two South Australian wineries were among 11 winners at the Australian Organic 7th Annual Industry Awards.
At a virtual ceremony on Friday 12 November 2021, peak industry body Australian Organic Limited (AOL) announced the successful winners who collectively represent a range of categories including fresh produce, pantry items, honey, tea, meat, wine and baby food products.
AOL Chief Executive Officer, Niki Ford, said the Awards were designed to celebrate excellence in the organic industry, and applauded the winners for their leadership in, and commitment to, the nation’s rapidly growing $2 billion-plus organic industry.
“The Awards are always an exciting night on the calendar, and I congratulate the winners for their passion in promoting and advancing Australia’s certified organic industry,” Ms Ford said.
“From individuals who began selling organic products at local markets, to fifth-generation family farmers, the calibre of finalists across all categories made the judging challenging.
“Reading the winners’ stories and understanding their commitment to organic positively reflects the extraordinary quality of people and businesses in our industry, and the contribution they are making to both the national economy and the wellbeing of Australians and international customers.”
Winner of the coveted Farmer of the Year title, Mick Dan, is Founder and farmer of Good Harvest Organic Farm on the Sunshine Coast and offers a complete harvest to plate service for customers. From planting seeds right through to harvest, packing and delivery, Mick provides the freshest fully organic certified produce from farm to plate in less than 24 hours.
Sydney-based organic tea company, Organic Merchant, took home the newly created Manufacturer of the Year Award for its commitment to innovating and improving sustainable practices in the packaging of its organic products.
Two other new categories featured in the Awards this year, the Woman in Organic of the Year and Trailblazer of the Year Award, which were won by Melissa Brown from Gemtree Wines and Katrina Kehoe from Kehoe’s Kitchen respectively.
In recognition of her inspirational and successful career in the industry, co-founder of Bellamy’s Organic, Australia’s leading organic baby food and formula brand, Dooley Crighton-Bellamy, was inducted into the Australian Organic Industry Hall of Fame.
AOL Chairman, Martin Meek also presented the Chairman’s Award to meat and livestock industry veteran, Ian King, acknowledging his tireless work throughout his career to make the industry stronger.
“It is an honour to pay homage to two individuals who have made such a strong contribution to the certified organic industry, and who continue to be staunch supporters and advocates for its future,” Mr Meek said.
Ms Ford said the winners across the Award categories highlighted the dynamic nature of the certified organic sector.
“Through these Awards we’ve been able to showcase the broad range of Australia’s best certified organic producers, manufacturers and retailers,” she said
“They all play a vital role supplying customers with nutritious food and consumables, and with nine million Australians turning to organics last year, we are very excited about the future.”
Australian Organic Industry Awards 2021 Winners:
Individual Categories
Young Organic Leader
Rachel Davis – Eco-Farms, Carole Park, Queensland
Woman in Organic of the Year
Melissa Brown – Gemtree Wines, McLaren Flat, South Australia
Trailblazer of the Year
Katrina Kehoe – Kehoe’s Kitchen, Murarrie, Queensland
Farmer of the Year
Mick Dan – Good Harvest Organic Farm, Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Industry Categories
New Product of the Year
Meluka Apple Cider Vinegar infused Raw Honey, Bungawalbin Valley, New South Wales
Retailer of the Year
Honest to Goodness, Alexandria, New South Wales
Manufacturer of the Year
Organic Merchant, Stanmore, New South Wales
Exporter of the Year
Angove Family Winemakers, McLaren Vale, South Australia
Business of the Year
Arcadian Organic & Natural Meat Co., Toowoomba, Queensland
Chairman Awards
Chairman’s Award
Ian King, CEO AUS-MEAT, MD AUS-QUAL, Murarrie, Queensland
Hall of Fame
Dooley Crighton-Bellamy – Bellamy’s Organic, Launceston, Tasmania
View a full list of winners here:
austorganic.com/industry/events-campaigns/annual-industry-awards/awards-2021/awards-2021-winners
For media enquires, please contact:
Hannah Hardy | hannah.hardy@bluehillpr.com.au | 0421 196 004
Andrea Davy | andrea.davy@bluehillpr.com.au| 0419 773 576
