New Zealand’s kiwifruit industry is preparing to honour the leaders who have defined the nation’s export success story, with nominations now open for the 2014 Hayward Medal.
The pan-industry award recognises the commitment and excellence of the industry’s highest achievers, according to kiwifruit Industry Advisory Council chairman, Paul Jones.
Former New Zealand Kiwifruit Marketing Board chairman, John Palmer, was presented with the medal last year for his work in guiding the industry through a fiscal crisis in the early 1990s.Plant & Food Research plant breeder, Russell Lowe, won the inaugural award in 2012 for the role he played in developing and commercialising the Hort16A gold kiwifruit variety.
“The two previous recipients made outstanding contributions to the industry and we’re asking our peers to take the time again this year to recognise the people who have built and grown this industry,” Jones said.
The award is named after the green Hayward cultivar, which remains a cornerstone of the industry, both in New Zealand and overseas. It also acknowledges horticulturalist Hayward Wright.
Nominations close on Friday 10 October, with the winner to be announced at the Hayward Medal dinner on 6 November.
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