Horticulture entrepreneur wins Rural Women's Award

7/12/01
Horticulture entrepreneur Angela Whittington has won the WA Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) Rural Women's Award 2002.
Ms Whittington has extensive marketing experience and now runs three successful businesses across the horticulture industry, including a plum orchard, an orchard equipment importing company, a wholesale operation and exports to Asia.
Agriculture Minister Kim Chance, who presented the award today, said Ms Whittington was an inspiration to all women in agriculture who had a vision for the future of their industry.
"Angela's involvement across the horticulture industry reflects her talents, determination and passion," Mr Chance said.
"In a matter of eight years, she has been able to pursue a range of initiatives that have now come to fruition, while championing the importance of sustainability and food safety."
Ms Whittington will use the RIRDC $20,000 bursary presented to her to undertake a market research program to identify international trends for current and potential horticulture competitors and customers by travelling to the US and Asia.
"I admire and encourage Angela to pursue her vision for the horticulture industry to establish the State as a global force in the international stone fruit market by promoting WA as a premier plant breeder and developing new 'icon' varieties," Mr Chance said.
Two other finalists, Ravensthorpe farmer and Fitzgerald Biosphere Marketing Association chairperson Tracey Ebert and Hyden farmer and small businesswoman Pamela Williamson, received $3000 bursaries to pursue their visions for the industry.
Ms Ebert wants to develop a regional marketing brand for the Ravensthorpe region to encourage environmental, social and economic sustainability, while Mrs Williamson hopes to develop fish farming in the Eastern Wheatbelt.
"The role of women in agriculture has been underestimated for years, but fortunately that perception is changing with the acknowledgement and encouragement provided by awards such as this," Mr Chance said.
"I congratulate the finalists and commend all women in agriculture for the tremendous contribution they make to the rural sector and the community in general."
Minister's office: 9213 6700