CONGRATULATIONS TO LOCAL FARMER OF THE YEAR

CONGRATULATIONS TO LOCAL FARMER OF THE YEAR

The Nationals Member for Lismore Thomas George today congratulated Lindendale blueberry farmer Ridley Bell on being named NSW Farmer of the Year.

Mr Bell has been involved in the industry for 35 years and is a leader in the development of many varieties, along with setting up the Australian Blueberry Growers Association.

“Ridley is a pioneer in the industry and committed to research and development to further grow this emerging market”, Mr George said.

Mr George also paid tribute to the Young Farmer of the Year Andrew Carroll from Palmers Island for his work in the sustainable farming of Mulloway, together with the runner-up Angus Stainlay, a sugar cane farmer from Murwillumbah.

Angus is always educating himself about and implementing the latest techniques in farming to ensure the productivity of his farm.

“The North Coast community should be extremely proud that three of the State’s top farmers are from our region. This follows on from our 2007 winners Rob Sinnamon and Stuart Larsson.

”These results reinforce this area as leaders in all aspects of agriculture, horticulture and aquaculture,” Mr George said.