Premier's Horticulture Industry Awards for Excellence

The Hon. T.T. NGO (14:38): My question is to the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development. Can the minister update the council about the recent AUSVEG SA Premier's Horticulture Industry Awards for Excellence?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:38): I thank the honourable member for his question. I am delighted to be able to provide an update to members in this place about the 2025 AUSVEG SA Premier's Horticulture Industry Awards for Excellence. This is an annual event that the state government proudly sponsors and I am pleased that it was once again a sold-out event that continues to grow every year.

I also acknowledge that the dinner was attended by many parliamentary colleagues, including the Deputy Premier, the member for Light and the member for Hammond, along with the Hon. Frank Pangallo, the Hon. Tung Ngo—who has always been a great supporter of the horticulture industry—and the Hon. Nicola Centofanti, as well as a number of others. If there is anyone I have missed who is in the chamber today, please shout out; great, I haven't missed anyone.

The event is run by AUSVEG SA and is an opportunity for South Australia's leading horticulture growers, researchers and industry leaders to come together and recognise excellence in the industry and celebrate the significant contribution the state's horticulture sector makes. The industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth, despite facing significant challenges, from biosecurity to drought, over the last 12 months. Despite these challenges, South Australian producers continue to respond with innovation and investment to ensure long-term sustainability of the industry.

In 2023-24, the state's horticulture industry hit a new record, generating $2.08 billion in revenue. This was an increase of 15 per cent from the previous year, and the highest on record. The state government is committed to continuing to work closely with this critical industry, not just to address challenges but also to drive opportunities. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the winners of the 2025 Premier's Awards for Excellence. Seven award categories were presented:

Darren Rathjen, from Delta Produce, was awarded Grower of the Year;

Paul Cafcakis, from Cafcakis Nominees was awarded the Young Grower of the Year;

Peter Wadewitz, from Peats Soil and Garden, was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award. I would like to particularly pay tribute to Peter for the amazing contribution he has made pretty much throughout his life to the industry;

LawrieCo Next Generation Fertiliser received the Industry Impact Award;

Austin Reid from Rural Business Support was awarded Researcher or Advisor of the Year;

Lam Phan of H&L Hydroponics won the Women in Horticulture Award; and

Dominic Cavallaro, from Cavallaro Horticultural Services, was awarded the Biosecurity Award.

This year's winners will now represent South Australia as the official state nominees at the national Horticulture Awards for Excellence during Hort Connections in Brisbane this month. I am sure all members in this place will join me in wishing all winners the best of luck at these awards.

While the majority of horticulture production is for local consumption, there are increased export opportunities that our local producers are also exploring. Last year, we saw $492 million in horticulture exports, representing an increase of 9 per cent. Major overseas export markets included China at 28 per cent, Japan at 11 per cent, Turkiye at 7 per cent, Germany at 6 per cent and 5 per cent for New Zealand.

I know many people in the horticulture sector that I speak to have been reassured by the way that federal and state Labor governments have worked to rebuild relationships with some of Australia's largest trade partners after significant breakdown in some relationships under the previous federal Liberal government. The calm approach by both state and federal Labor governments has meant we have been able to regain important export markets for South Australian horticulture businesses.

I again congratulate award winners along with all nominees for your commitment and passion for the horticulture industry. You are exceptional ambassadors and role models for the industry. Thank you, also, to AUSVEG SA for once again putting on an exceptional event, and the opportunity to promote the ongoing importance and success of the entire horticulture industry. Well done to Jordan Brooke-Barnett and his team for putting on this excellent event.