The search to highlight the South Australian Agricultural Town of the Year for 2024 has begun, with nominations now open.

Introduced in 2019, the Agricultural Town of the Year Award recognises the importance of developing and maintaining a strong agricultural sector by recognising towns excelling in agricultural practices, strengthening their region, and supporting a vibrant and resilient community.  

Last year Wudinna on the Eyre Peninsula took out the coveted award in recognition of the town’s leadership in the agriculture sector.

This included in agricultural education for local children and young people and for its current and relevant farmer-driven research and development. 

Mypolonga, Kimba, Pinnaroo, and Cleve have also previously won the Award and now proudly display a sign in recognition of their achievement at the entrance of the town for all to see. 

Most Fleurieu towns have been nominated in the last five years with several making the top ten, including Myponga and Strathalbyn, as well as Kangaroo Island’s Parndarna.

Nominations for South Australia’s next Agricultural Town of the Year can be made online. Nominations close Wednesday 5 June. 

Any regional town in South Australia can be nominated and enter the Agricultural Town of the Year Award. 

For the purpose of the award, ‘agriculture’ refers to all primary industries – field crops, horticulture, meat and livestock, dairy, grape and wine, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture. 

A town’s involvement in agriculture is not limited to farmers but includes the wider community that supports the industry including shops, service providers, community activities. 

The public will then be invited to vote for which of the nominated towns they believe deserves to win from 11 June to 27 June, with the ‘Top 10’ towns announced in early July. 

The Top 10 towns are invited to submit written applications that outline how they promote and support agriculture, which are assessed by an independent judging panel. 

The panel then selects three finalists which will move forward to the town visits stage of the competition.

The Agricultural Town of the Year Award is an initiative of the Department of Primary Industries and Regions and delivered in partnership with InDaily.

The 2024 winner will be announced at the Regional Showcase Awards celebration event on October 24.