Katanning farmers commended on winning Farrer Memorial Medal

23/10/97

Primary Industry Minister Monty House tonight congratulated Farrer Memorial Medal recipient Trevor Flugge and said the award recognised a man who had done a great deal for Western Australian agriculture.

Mr House attended the presentation this evening and commended Mr Flugge - a farmer from Katanning - on becoming the first person outside the scientific community to receive the honour.

The Farrer Memorial Medal recognises outstanding contributions made by people engaged in agricultural science.

The Minister said Mr Flugge had made a significant contribution to the wheat industry and his local community.

"Not only has he succeeded as a grain farmer personally, but he has helped other farmers through his leadership in a rapidly expanding and valuable industry," he said.

"He has taken a hands-on approach in his various roles on boards and advisory groups."

Some of Mr Flugge's achievements include:

·      Australian Wheat Board director and currently chairman;

·      former president of the Australian Wheat Growers Federation;

·      former chairman of the WA Wheat Industry Research Committee; and -

·      chairman of the CSIRO Field Crop Sector Advisory Group.

Media contact: Nicole Trigwell (08) 9481 2044