The five South Australian towns set to vie for the title of 2022 Agricultural Town of the Year have been named.
Each year the award highlights the importance of developing and maintaining a strong and vibrant agriculture sector in South Australia, by recognising towns excelling in agricultural practices and the flow on effect this has on communities.
The finalist towns are:
- Crystal Brook – Yorke and Mid North
- Kapunda – Barossa, Light and Lower Light
- Mypolonga – Murray River and Mallee
- Orroroo – Yorke and Mid North
Waikerie – Murray River and Mallee
This year, Crystal Brook and Waikerie are first time finalists, while Orroroo, Mypolonga and Kapunda have made the list for another year.
A public vote decided the finalists from 54 nominated towns, with 4100 votes received, representing a 35% increase on the 3200 received votes in 2021.
For the next stage of the judging process, a panel of independent judges, comprising a mix of ambassadors, well-known identities, and experts from South Australia’s primary industries and regions, will visit each of the finalist towns.
The judging panel is made up of
- Angelo Demasi, Chief Executive Officer, SA Produce Market and passionate South Australian Food, Wine and Agribusiness Ambassador
- Simon Maddocks, Chair of Primary Producers SA
- Mayor Erika Vickery OAM, Naracoorte Lucindale Council and Chair of the South Australian Regional Organisation of Councils
- Kris Lloyd AM, Chief Executive and Head Cheese Maker, Woodside Cheese Wrights and proud Food, Wine and Agribusiness Ambassador.
The 2022 Agricultural Town of the Year will be announced on Friday 4 November at the Regional Showcase celebration.
Eyre Peninsula farming town Kimba, which has a rich agricultural history, was named South Australia’s 2021 Agricultural Town of the Year.
For more information go to www.agtown.com.au