Australian cotton growers wil l celebrate the best achievements of the industry this year with the return of the Australian Cotton IndustryAwards for 2021.
The awards, recogni sing the resilience of the industry and innovation throughout the cotton supply chain, were put on hold in 2020 dueto the pandemic, but nomina tions have now opened for 2021. Cotton Australia CEO Adam Kay said the awards are evidence of theworld -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 a wards program is all about recognising the hard work, commitment, research and innovation that goes into the productionof our cotton, and that sentiment is echoed by many Australian manufacturers who increasingly demand Australian cotton for theirquality 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 AwardMr Kay encouraged all growers to take part in the awards program by nominating those who they believe deserve d rec ognition.
"The awards are certainly an occasion to shine a light on the outstanding contributors to our industry, but they also present a nopportunity for oth ers to learn from the best," he said. "Australian cotton production suffered in 2020 due to the drought and thepandemic ; w hile w e have seen some welcome rain, for many, the drought continues, as does the need for the ongoing development ofour 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 onthe 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'snorth. The respect that is generated by programs like the a wards is significant, and the desire to share the good news is very much partof our culture as primary producers," he said. "We are grateful for the ongoing support and sponsorship of the a wards from Bayer.
ADAMA, AgriRisk, Cotton Seed Distributors and Incitec Pivot Fertilisers," Mr McIntrye said.
I ndividuals and teams can nominate others, or themselves, for the 2021 Australian Cotton Industry Awards through the onlinenomination form at www.cottonaustralia.com.au/awards -nominations. Nominations close at 5pm on Friday 26 th March 20 21.
Cotton Austral ia is the peak representative body for Australia's cotton growing industry.
Cotton Australia
