29 May 2025, AU: A DOZEN of Australia’s finest young leaders in horticulture are in the running to become the 2025 Corteva Young Grower of the Year with two brothers, an award-winning entomologist and a young man forced to step up due to family tragedy among the inspirational nominees.
Each year, Corteva Agriscience announces the coveted award at a Gala Dinner at Hort Connections, the premiere horticulture conference for Australia and New Zealand, which is set to be held in Brisbane from 4-6 June.
Corteva Agriscience Marketing Manager, Nick Koch, said the judges were again looking for an outstanding young grower to be the face of the award.
“We are searching for a young grower who embodies the values that make our industry world-renowned – a commitment to innovation, collaboration and leadership,” Mr Koch said.
“Every year we are blown away by the calibre of people we find and Corteva is so proud to support this award in particular because it’s about fostering the next generation of talent in our fantastic industry.
“The nominees of today become the leaders of tomorrow so it really is an exciting and prestigious prize.”
AUSVEG Chief Executive Officer, Michael Coote, said the award winner will be announced as part of the Horticulture Awards for Excellence and looked forward to meeting the nominees.
“Hort Connections is about bringing the industry together to share knowledge and build relationships that for many people last for entire careers and beyond,” Mr Coote said.
“These young growers are already accomplished within their chosen fields, that’s why they’re nominees for this wonderful award, but the exciting part is the next chapter; what they have the potential to become and how they are mobilising and empowering others along the way.”
2025 Corteva Agriscience Young Grower of the Year Award nominees
Bryce Henderson – FreshGro Australia, Qld
Oliver Rennie – Pacific Ag, NSW
Craig Dingle – Kalfresh Vegetables, Qld
Travis Georgopolous, GV Independent Packers, Vic
Coby Badcock – Badcock Ag, Tas
Salvatore Leonardi – Cherry Creek Estate, Qld
Jack Cafcakis – Cafcakis Produce, SA
Dr Chris Cannizarro – Macadamia Farm Management Pty Ltd, Qld
Anthony De leso – Thorndon Park Produce, SA
Ty Dickson – April Sun Farms Pty Ltd, Vic
Paul Cafcakis – Cafcakis Produce, SA
Dean Gazzola – Gazzola Farms, Vic
Read all about each nominee on our 2025 finalist page.
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