South Australia is on the search for its next Ag Town of the Year with nominations for the prestigious award now open.

The Agricultural Town of the Year award recognises South Australian towns that are excelling in agriculture and the flow on effect this has on a township and community.

The 2020 winner was the Mallee town of Pinnaroo which was selected from 119 nominations for 70 different towns across eight regions.

Several Fleurieu towns were nominated last year, with Kangaroo Island’s Parndana making the top five finalists.

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham encourages communities to get involved and nominate their town.

“Our Ag Town of the Year Award acknowledges the vital role that agriculture plays in the regional landscape — being the backbone of most regional communities,” he says.

“This award celebrates the key role of primary industries to our state, including field crops, horticulture, meat and livestock, dairy, grape and wine, forestry, plus fisheries and aquaculture.

“However, the focus of this award is not limited to farmers, but also highlights the wider community that supports them.

“It gives regional communities the opportunity to reflect on their contributions to South Australia’s economic and social fabric and increase awareness of their town and agricultural contribution.”

“It was my pleasure to visit the 2020 winning town Pinnaroo, in the Murray Mallee, earlier this year and speak with the community there about what drives regional success and pride.

“Our regions matter – they contribute around $29 billion per year to the South Australian economy across a range of industries including farming, fishing, mining, manufacturing and tourism.

“We are investing record amounts in regional infrastructure including roads so people can travel faster and safer, hospitals to provide better healthcare, schools to inspire our next generations and community space for people to enjoy.”

Nominations for this year’s award can be made online, with nominations closing Friday 6 August. Nominated towns will then be put to a public vote to help select five finalists who will vie for the title of 2021 South Australian Agricultural Town of the Year.

The winner will be announced at the 2021 Regional Showcase celebration event in November.