Safe Food Production Queensland’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Barbara Wilson said this award was created to promote, celebrate and recognise the achievements of those who have displayed outstanding leadership and commitment in meeting the challenges of the agricultural industry.

“The Award provides an invaluable opportunity for Australia’s hardworking and inspirational agricultural community to take that next step and make a real and lasting contribution to the future of rural Australia.

“It is designed for someone who has a great idea that will benefit the agricultural industry, is committed to promoting innovative and sustainable approaches to their respective field and be willing to build their network with other industry professionals.

“I encourage anyone who knows of groups or individuals from agricultural communities whose innovation has contributed to improving food production practices, increased productivity or addressing a critical rural issue, to nominate for the Ivy Inwood Industry Award,” Dr Wilson said.

Previous recipient of the Ivy Inwood award, UQ’s Dr Conny Turni, won the award for her research on the link between fowl cholera outbreaks and feral cats.

Dr Turni said the award had been of great benefit.

“Winning the Ivy Inwood Award was really important because it not only gave me exposure to a new network of key and influential people across primary industries, it also gave me the resources to do something positive and proactive for primary industries and rural people,” Dr Turni said.

“Nominating is a great way of gaining recognition for your efforts and furthering your initiative.”

Dr Wilson said nominations were also being sought for the Young Rural Achiever Award.

“In 2012 we are delighted to announce a new award category. The Young Rural Achiever Award was created for students keen to further their careers with the winner receiving financial assistance of $7500,” Dr Wilson said.

”Both awards play an important role in developing and nurturing those that share a passion for helping people achieve their goals of contributing to and improving the agricultural industry.

The Award is a Safe Food Production Queensland initiative created in partnership with the Inwood Family.

Applications close on Friday 8 June 2012 and will be presented at an official ceremony to be held in Brisbane in July 2012. Application forms are available from www.safefood.qld.gov.au.