Australian Cotton Industry Awards back in 2021
Australian cotton growers will celebrate the best achievements of the industry this year with the return of the Australian Cotton Industry Awards for 2021.
The awards, recognising the resilience of the industry and innovation throughout the cotton supply chain, were put on hold in 2020 due to the pandemic, but nominations have now opened for 2021. Cotton Australia CEO Adam Kay said the awards are evidence of the world-leading status of Australian cotton.
“Last year we were all impacted by COVID-19, but the quality of our cotton was not compromised,” he said.
“The annual awards program is all about recognising the hard work, commitment, research and innovation that goes into the production of our cotton, and that sentiment is echoed by many Australian manufacturers who increasingly demand Australian cotton for their quality clothing and other items.”
Nominations are open in the following categories:
- Bayer Grower of the Year
- AgriRisk High Achiever of the Year
- ADAMA Chris Lehmann Trust Young Cotton Achiever of the Year
- Cotton Seed Distributors Researcher of the Year
- IPF Service to Industry Award
Mr Kay encouraged all growers to take part in the awards program by nominating those who they believe deserved recognition.
“The awards are certainly an occasion to shine a light on the outstanding contributors to our industry, but they also present an opportunity for others to learn from the best,” he said. “Australian cotton production suffered in 2020 due to the drought and the pandemic; while we have seen some welcome rain, for many, the drought continues, as does the need for the ongoing development of our cotton production expertise, which is aided by excellent research.”
Cotton Australia Chairman Hamish McIntyre said the awards will be an effective mechanism for the industry to reconnect and reflect on the positive contribution that Australia’s cotton industry makes to our economy.
“We have up to 1,500 growers producing cotton around Australia and there are prospects of future industry growth in the country’s north. The respect that is generated by programs like the awards is significant, and the desire to share the good news is very much part of our culture as primary producers,” he said. “We are grateful for the ongoing support and sponsorship of the awards from Bayer, ADAMA, AgriRisk, Cotton Seed Distributors and Incitec Pivot Fertilisers,” Mr McIntrye said.
Individuals and teams can nominate others, or themselves, for the 2021 Australian Cotton Industry Awards through the online nomination form at www.cottonaustralia.com.au/awards-nominations. Nominations close at 5pm on Friday 26th March 2021.
