The Australian dried fruit industry is calling for nominations to recognise the individuals who have built and progressed the industry.

The industry’s peak body, Dried Fruits Australia (DFA), will introduce a new award – the Industry Contribution Award – at this year’s Mildura Field Days next month.

DFA has been associated with the Mildura Field Days for more than 70 years.

The industry previously recognised growers who produced each season’s best quality fruit as part of the DFA Quality Awards.

After a transition period, the industry has moved to the new-format Top Crop Awards, recognising growers who produced the highest value crop per hectare, using tonnages and grading based on known base-level pricing.

These awards are typically announced and presented in the second half of the year.

But the industry is well aware that much of its continued success is attributable to the people who have contributed their knowledge, ideas, skills and time for the good of the Australian dried grape industry.

It’s those innovators and changemakers that the industry aims to recognise while continuing its long association with Mildura Field Days.

“We know that there are people in the dried grape community who have made extraordinary contributions to our industry – both over decades and more recently,” DFA CEO Thomas Cheung said.

“While these people don’t make these contributions for reward, it is important that their work and dedication are acknowledged.

“Without these people, the industry would not be what it is today.”

Mr Cheung said the industry had a rich history, and it was important that people’s contributions to it were not only recorded, but lauded more broadly.

“This industry has a reputation for innovation, sharing of information and an openness among growers that helps all dried fruit producers to progress together,” he said.

“We’re calling for nominations for people who have made or are making meaningful and outstanding contributions to the dried grape industry.

“These could be current or past growers, industry personnel, or people who worked behind the scenes.”

To nominate a person for the inaugural award, visit driedfruitsaustralia.org.au and fill out the form on the Industry Contribution Awards events page.

Nominations close on April 24, 2025.

A presentation will be made at the Mildura Field Days, which will be held 16 and 17 May at 53 Racecourse Road, Nichols Point.