Is Your Community the Cream of the Crop?
We all think we live in the best town in SA, right? Well, is yours the one to take home the crown this year? The search is on to find the 2024 South Australian Agricultural Town of the Year.
This prestigious award, launched in 2019, shines a spotlight on towns that excel in agriculture, boost their region, and keep their communities thriving. Last year, Wudinna on the Eyre Peninsula impressed everyone with their leadership in agriculture, including awesome programs for local kids and cutting-edge research driven by their farmers. They’re in good company – Mypolonga, Kimba, Pinnaroo, and Cleve are past champions too, proudly displaying their “Ag Town” signs at the town entrance.
If you think your town is the duck’s nuts, nominations are open now until Wednesday, June 5. Any regional town in SA can enter.
And by “agriculture,” it means all the good stuff – crops, fruits and veggies, meat and livestock, dairy, wine grapes, even forestry and fishing. It’s not just about farmers either – the whole community that supports agriculture counts, from shops to service providers to town events.
The best part is, the public gets to vote! From June 11 to 27, you can cast your vote for the town you think deserves to win. The top ten contenders will be announced in early July, and then submit detailed applications showing how they promote and support agriculture. An independent panel pick three finalists with the winner revealed at the Regional Showcase Awards on October 24.
This whole competition is a partnership between the Department of Primary Industries and Regions and InDaily.
As Clare Scriven, Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development says, “Our regional towns are the backbone of South Australia, driving our economy and keeping our communities strong. Let’s celebrate their achievements and the amazing role agriculture plays in their success! This Award is a chance to learn from each other and keep those rural communities thriving.”
For more information and how to nominate your town, click here.
