Australia
June 10, 2025

Jeremy Haw of Hussey & Co being presented the Syngenta Grower of the Year Award for 2025 by David Van Ryswyk, Managing Director of Syngenta Australia and New Zealand
 

In a celebration of the best in Australian horticulture, Hort Innovation has announced the winners of the coveted Horticulture Awards for Excellence for 2025. The highlight of the gala dinner event being the announcement of the Syngenta Grower of the Year, which was presented to Jeremy Haw from Hussey & Co.

The award ceremony, held at Brisbane Convention Centre, Brisbane, brought together some of the industry’s most savvy and successful operators. The Grower of the Year award recognises outstanding achievement in sustainable farming practices, innovation in crop management, and contribution to the broader horticultural community. Jeremy was among a stellar line up of finalists for the Syngenta Grower of the Year Award.

Jeremy Haw, representing Hussey & Co, a leading producer of gourmet salad leaves, accepted the award from David Van Ryswyk, Managing Director of Syngenta Australia and New Zealand. David congratulated the runners up, thanking them for their ongoing efforts. For Jeremy, the moment marked the latest pinnacle in recognition for Haw's dedication to advancing the industry through sustainable and innovative growing practices.

Now in its 50th year of business, Hussey & Co, under the management of Jeremy Haw, has evolved from humble beginnings as a 40-acre farm, to become one of Australia’s leading growers, processors and distributors of premium quality baby salad leaves. 

Jeremy continually strives for excellence and innovation and has led Hussey & Co in undertaking significant research, development and investment to create a unique processing model which prioritises food safety, produces unrivalled quality and improves product value and performance. 

David Van Ryswyk of Syngenta commended Haw and Hussey & Co for their achievements: "Jeremy and his team exemplify the kind of forward-thinking, sustainable approach that is crucial for the future of Australian horticulture. Syngenta is proud to sponsor this award and support growers who are leading the way in innovation and sustainability."

Hussey & Co has been recognised for its implementation of advanced hydroponic systems, significant reduction in water usage, and successful adoption of integrated pest management strategies. The company has also been praised for its community engagement and efforts to promote careers in horticulture among young Australians. 

Other notable awards presented during the evening included: 

• Innovation in Horticulture Award 

• Exporter of the Year 

• Sustainability Excellence Award 

• Young Grower of the Year 

The Horticulture Awards for Excellence, organised annually by Hort Innovation, serve as a platform to showcase the best of Australian horticulture and inspire continued growth and innovation in the sector.

As the industry looks towards the future, Jeremy Haw and Hussey & Co stand as shining examples of how traditional farming can be transformed through technology, sustainability, and a commitment to excellence.

Syngenta Grower of the Year runners-up: 

Kerrie Galley - Costa's Tomato Glasshouse, Guyra, NSW 

• Started in horticulture at 14, now Head Grower 

• Pioneering trials in capsicums, cucumbers, melons, and vanilla 

Nathan Clackson - Barden Farms 

• Expanded operations, developing new farms and implementing new technology 

• Transformed 240 hectares of virgin land into a productive vegetable farm 

Matt Kleyn - Lakeshore Farms, Atherton Tablelands 

• One of Australia's largest avocado growers 

• Chair of Avocados Australia Ltd, promoting best practice 

Richard Gorman - Kalfresh 

• CEO of major Queensland vegetable supplier 

• Leading sustainability initiatives, including integrated agricultural precinct and energy project 

Salvatore Leonardi - Cherry Creek Estate 

• Influential in establishing global standards for avocado oil 

• Ensured inclusion of all Australian growing regions in avocado oil definition 

Tripod Farmers 

• Early adopters of Carbon Robotics' laser weeding technology in Australia 

• Openly shared knowledge and experiences to benefit the industry 

Bryce Henderson - Fresh Gro 

• Developed growing regions in Lockyer Valley, QLD and Richmond, Tasmania 

• Ensured year-round supply of leafy greens to major Australian cities 

Brett Squibb - RW Squibb and Sons 

• Leader in the Tasmanian and Australian apple industry 

• Renowned for fruit quality and crop performance 

Cody Dennis - Cherry Creek Estate 

• Co-founder and manager of 300ha avocado orchard 

• Launched avocado oil range in 2024, finding secondary markets for high-value fruit 

Coby Badcock - North Motton 

• Consistently grows above-average crops of potatoes, poppies, carrots, and onions 

• Successfully manages family property 

Craig Van Rooyen - Sweet Sensations, Bundaberg, Queensland 

• Progressive and innovative grower of lychees and macadamias 

• Committed to best practices and sustainability in horticultural production 

Darren Rathjen - Delta Produce, Wall Flat, South Australia 

• Fifth-generation onion grower 

• Known for sustainable farming practices, technological innovation, and industry leadership 

The 2025 Syngenta Grower of the Year winner and runners-up.
©Andrew Beveridge

This shortlist represents a diverse group of innovative growers and industry leaders from various sectors of Australian horticulture. Each finalist has demonstrated significant achievements in areas such as sustainability, technology adoption, industry leadership, and product innovation.

Website: https://www.syngenta.com.au

Published: June 10, 2025