Jeremy Haw of Hussey & Co named Syngenta Grower of the Year at 2025 Horticulture Awards for Excellence

Award winner announced

Hort Innovation has announced the winners of the Horticulture Awards for Excellence for 2025. The highlight was the Syngenta Grower of the Year award, presented to Jeremy Haw from Hussey & Co.

The award ceremony

The ceremony was held at Brisbane Convention Centre. It brought together some of the industry's most successful operators.

The Grower of the Year award recognises:

• Outstanding achievement in sustainable farming
• Innovation in crop management
• Contribution to the horticultural community

About the winner

Jeremy Haw accepted the award from David Van Ryswyk, Managing Director of Syngenta Australia and New Zealand. Hussey & Co is a leading producer of gourmet salad leaves.

Now in its 50th year, Hussey & Co has grown from a 40-acre farm to become one of Australia's leading growers of premium baby salad leaves.

Jeremy leads the company in research and development. He has created a unique processing model that:

• Prioritises food safety
• Produces high quality products
• Improves product value and performance

Industry recognition

David Van Ryswyk of Syngenta said: "Jeremy and his team exemplify the kind of forward-thinking, sustainable approach that is crucial for the future of Australian horticulture. Syngenta is proud to sponsor this award and support growers who are leading the way in innovation and sustainability."

Hussey & Co has been recognised for:

• Advanced hydroponic systems
• Significant reduction in water usage
• Integrated pest management strategies
• Community engagement
• Promoting careers in horticulture

Other awards presented

• Innovation in Horticulture Award
• Exporter of the Year
• Sustainability Excellence Award
• Young Grower of the Year

Looking forward

The Horticulture Awards for Excellence showcase the best of Australian horticulture. They inspire continued growth and innovation in the sector.

Jeremy Haw and Hussey & Co show how traditional farming can be transformed through technology, sustainability, and excellence.

Syngenta Grower of the Year runners-up

Kerrie Galley - Costa's Tomato Glasshouse, Guyra, NSW

• Started in horticulture at 14, now Head Grower
• Pioneering trials in capsicums, cucumbers, melons, and vanilla

Nathan Clackson - Barden Farms

• Expanded operations, developing new farms and implementing new technology
• Transformed 240 hectares of virgin land into a productive vegetable farm

Matt Kleyn - Lakeshore Farms, Atherton Tablelands

• One of Australia's largest avocado growers
• Chair of Avocados Australia Ltd, promoting best practice

Richard Gorman - Kalfresh

• CEO of major Queensland vegetable supplier
• Leading sustainability initiatives, including integrated agricultural precinct and energy project

Salvatore Leonardi - Cherry Creek Estate

• Influential in establishing global standards for avocado oil
• Ensured inclusion of all Australian growing regions in avocado oil definition

Tripod Farmers

• Early adopters of Carbon Robotics' laser weeding technology in Australia
• Openly shared knowledge and experiences to benefit the industry

Bryce Henderson - Fresh Gro

• Developed growing regions in Lockyer Valley, QLD and Richmond, Tasmania
• Ensured year-round supply of leafy greens to major Australian cities

Brett Squibb - RW Squibb and Sons

• Leader in the Tasmanian and Australian apple industry
• Renowned for fruit quality and crop performance

Cody Dennis - Cherry Creek Estate

• Co-founder and manager of 300ha avocado orchard
• Launched avocado oil range in 2024, finding secondary markets for high-value fruit

Coby Badcock - North Motton

• Consistently grows above-average crops of potatoes, poppies, carrots, and onions
• Successfully manages family property

Craig Van Rooyen - Sweet Sensations, Bundaberg, Queensland

• Progressive and innovative grower of lychees and macadamias
• Committed to best practices and sustainability in horticultural production

Darren Rathjen - Delta Produce, Wall Flat, South Australia

• Fifth-generation onion grower
• Known for sustainable farming practices, technological innovation, and industry leadership

This shortlist represents a diverse group of innovative growers and industry leaders. Each finalist has demonstrated significant achievements in sustainability, technology adoption, industry leadership, and product innovation.

ENDs

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