AIR EP honoured with PIRSA grower group award and Jeanette Long recognised for outstanding service to agriculture
Ag Innovation Research Eyre Peninsula (AIR EP) has taken out the coveted PIRSA Grower Group Award for 2024. Presented at Monday night’s Gala Awards Dinner at the Marion Hotel in front of an enthusiastic audience, the group demonstrated why it epitomises the critical role grower groups play in South Australia’s agricultural industry.
In keeping with the forum theme ‘Future Farming – Turning Trends into Practice’, Executive Officer Naomi Scholz said, “The recently developed EP Ag Vision 2050 strategic plan outlines a long-term commitment to the future of agriculture across the Eyre Peninsula”.
Developed in partnership with Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) and the Eyre Peninsula Landscape Board, this comprehensive vision aims to ensure the region’s agricultural sector remains competitive and sustainable by addressing key challenges and capitalising on emerging opportunities across the five key elements of profitability, productivity, environment, social and governance.
“EP Ag Vision 2050 is a testament to AIR EP’s proactive approach in planning for the future and its commitment to fostering a thriving agricultural community for generations to come”, said Ms Scholz.
Hannah Brown, Acting Executive Director for South Australian Research Development Institute (SARDI) commended AIR EP for their impressive track record since only merging in 2020.
“The future of AIR EP and the Eyre Peninsula farming community is in safe hands. The demonstrated dedication and success in acquiring funding to deliver a comprehensive portfolio of projects, underscores its effectiveness in advocating for the needs of the local agricultural community", she said.
In its short 4-year operation, AIR EP's dedicated team has been successful in securing funding for 60 projects with a cumulative value of early $8 million.
Jeanette Long was also recognised as the winner of the Ag Excellence Perpetual Award for Outstanding Service to Agriculture. Revered amongst her industry peers, Jeanette is highly regarded as a significant contributor to a myriad of agricultural organisations including the Australasian Pacific Extension Network, Ag Excellence and most recently Women together Learning (WoTL).
Kim Blenkiron, WoTL Executive Officer and nominator said “Jeanette has impacted and positively influenced so many extension organisations and programs over her career that the flow-on-impact to the farming community cannot be overstated”.
As a highly sought-after facilitator, Jeanette works throughout Australia and New Zealand with extension personnel and farmers. She also provides mentoring support to many young extension professionals, ensuring South Australia continues to have highly-skilled people within the agricultural research and extension space.
“It is an absolute honour to bestow this accolade on such a deserving winner. Ag Ex has been the recipient of Jeanette’s tireless efforts as Chair and committee member for many years and as shown again at today’s forum, she continues to give her time for the benefit of this room and the broader agricultural industry”, said Leet Wilksch, Ag Ex Chair.
