Search is on for SA Ag Town of the Year

16th July 2021 | Eativity editors
SA Ag Town of the Year

South Australia is on the search for its next Ag Town of the Year, with nominations now open. The Agricultural Town of the Year award recognises South Australian towns that are excelling in agriculture and the flow-on effect this has on a township and community.

The 2020 winner was the Mallee town of Pinnaroo, which was selected from 119 nominations for 70 different towns. South Australian Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham is encouraging all regional South Australian communities to get involved and nominate their town for the award.

“Our Ag Town of the Year award acknowledges the vital role that agriculture plays in the regional landscape,” he says. “They’re the backbone of most regional communities. This award celebrates the key role of primary industries to our state, including field crops, horticulture, meat and livestock, dairy, grape and wine, fisheries and aquaculture.”

Our regions matter

However, Minister Basham says that the focus of this award is not limited just to farmers. It also highlights and heroes the wider community that supports them.

“The award gives regional communities the opportunity to reflect on their contributions to South Australia’s economic and social fabric,” he says. “It also increases awareness of their town and agricultural contribution. It was my pleasure to visit Pinnaroo earlier this year and speak with the community about what drives regional success and pride.

“Our regions matter. They contribute around $29 billion a year to the South Australian economy across industries including farming, fishing, manufacturing and tourism.”

You can nominate a town for this year’s award at agtown.com.au, with nominations closing on August 6. Nominated towns will then be put to a public vote to select five finalists. These five will then vie for the title of 2021 South Australian Agricultural Town of the Year. The winner will be announced at the 2021 Regional Showcase celebration event in November.