Each grower nominated for the award is a champion for horticulture, demonstrates a commitment to the industry and their communities, and understands the importance of sustainability to improve agriculture and the land.
Sam Boyce, from MJ Hall & Sons at Tatura, said he was proud to have his work acknowledged through the nomination.
“It's a great sense of achievement to be recognised for all the effort put into getting to where I am today,” the 33-year-old said.
“It's important to honour young growers, as the horticultural space can sometimes be hard to be recognised in.
“Empowering the young growers helps to keep the industry thriving and moving forward.
“I've always been around horticulture and started out as a farmhand straight after finishing high school.
“I love the rewarding feeling of getting quality fruit to harvest to supply for people to consume.”
Corteva Agriscience is the long-term sponsor of the Young Grower of the Year Award.
“All the shortlisted growers are helping build a stronger, more innovative and more sustainable industry, and are destined to be horticulture leaders,” Corteva’s Nick Koch said.
“Corteva will be creating opportunities for them to connect with the alumni of previous ‘young growers’ to continue to build a community of horticulture leaders.”
The winner will be announced at the Hort Connections Gala Dinner on June 8 in Brisbane as part of the National Awards for Excellence, which are managed by AUSVEG, the peak body for the Australian vegetable and potato industries.