South East farmer and entrepreneur Robyn Verrall, McCallum, has been named the 2022 AgriFutures Rural Women's Award winner for SA, at an awards ceremony held in Adelaide tonight.
Ms Verrall has set a goal to reduce food insecurity and increase food affordability in rural, regional and First Nation communities in Australia.
To help achieve this, she is a director, founder and business advisor to Aboriginal owned and operated food supply company Kere to Country - with "kere" meaning food from animals in Arrernte.
The company works to bring high quality and affordable meat into First Nations communities in SA and the NT.
As the 2022 AgriFutures Rural Women's Award winner for SA, Ms Verrall will be awarded a $15,000 grant from Westpac to progress her initiative that benefits rural industries and communities.
Ms Verrall was selected among finalists Lukina Lukin, Port Lincoln - who is working to grow export markets for the Bluefin tuna sector - and Jamestown's Stephanie Lunn - a director of TrialSafe.
Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Clare Scriven congratulated Ms Verrall for her win.
"I commend Robyn's achievements in bringing high quality, affordable meat to First Nations communities and in doing so, helping to end food inequality and insecurity in rural and regional Australia," she said.
"I also say well done to finalists Lukina Lukin and Stephanie Lunn, and thank them for their ongoing contributions to their local communities and to primary industries in SA.
"I'm sure you will continue to make positive impacts in your chosen fields."
Westpac Agribusiness SA regional general manager Brad Higgins said the award was the highest recognition for rural women in Australia.
"Robyn is a deserving state winner and represents the diverse range of exceptional industries and communities across Australia," he said.
"Women such as Robyn play a pivotal role in driving innovation and change that benefits agriculture and rural, regional and remote Australia."
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The AgriFutures Rural Women's Award is Australia's leading award empowering and celebrating the inclusive and courageous leadership of women involved in Australia's rural and emerging industries, businesses and communities.
As the winner, Ms Verrall will also receive professional development opportunities and will represent SA at the 2022 AgriFutures Rural Women's Award Gala Dinner and National Announcement in Canberra on Tuesday, September 6.
The national winner will be awarded an additional $20,000 grant, thanks to Westpac.
- Details: pir.sa.gov.au/rwa
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