A PROGRAM which sees donations from specially marketed tomato and capsicum punnets to help bone marrow failure syndromes medical research has been given national recognition.
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Sam Kisvarda from tomato producer Flavorite won this year's EE Muir and Sons Community Stewardship Award at Hort Connections in Brisbane on June 8.
Flavorite is one of Australia's leading tomato producers and for six years has been a strong supporter of Maddie Riewoldt's Vision, donating $100,000 every year through sales of specially-marked packs of cherry tomatoes and capsicums that promote the foundation's cause.
In bone marrow failure syndromes, the bone marrow which is the blood cell "factory" stops working, and the body is unable to produce healthy blood cells on which it depends on.
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The award recognises an individual or business that is proactive in developing or implementing a system or program of safe storage and use of on-farm materials above and beyond industry standards, engages in local or national community events and initiatives to develop wider industry and demonstrates the responsible planning and management of resources, leading to beneficial environmental impacts.
Ausveg chief executive officer Michael Coote said the award highlights those businesses that go above and beyond to make a positive contribution to the industry, community and the environment
"Through its ongoing support of the Maddie Riewoldt's Vision, Sam Kisvarda and the Flavorite team are using its business and the extensive reach of its produce to support the organisation, which funds medical research that will lead to new treatments and cures for bone marrow failure syndromes," Mr Coote said.
"The partnership between Flavorite and Maddie Riewoldt's Vision is a shining example of how the fruit and vegetable industry can work together to make a significant contribution to such an important cause.
"In a year where there were many high calibre nominees for this category, Flavorite has proven itself a worthy winner for this prestigious award.
Award sponsor, EE Muir and Sons, is a major distributor of fertilisers, crop protectants, seeds and other farm supplies to the Australian agriculture industry, employing a fleet of highly trained staff who offer growers a complete package, based on the principles of quality and ethical service.
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