A shortlist of five towns has been named ahead of the judging of South Australia's Agricultural Town of the Year.
Kapunda, Mypolonga and Orroroo were among the finalists in 2021, while this is the first time Waikerie and Crystal Brook have been among the top five.
The five towns were selected after a public vote of 54 nominated towns.
This year there were 4100 votes received - a 35 per cent increase on the 2021 votes.
For the next stage of the judging process, a panel of independent judges will visit each of the finalist towns.
The panel includes SA Produce Markets chief executive officer Angelo Demasi; Primary Producers SA chair Simon Maddocks; SA Regional Organisation of Councils chair Erika Vickery; and Food, Wine and Agribusiness ambassador Kris Lloyd.
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Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven said the award highlighted the importance of developing and maintaining a strong and vibrant agriculture sector in SA, by recognising towns excelling in agricultural practices and the flow on effect this had on communities.
"These towns represent different regions and showcase diverse elements of SA's agricultural landscape," she said.
"I'm pleased to see towns making the finalist list for the second or third time, as well as two new entries.
"The growth in votes received this year shows the competition is growing in prominence, and that communities are rallying around their favourite agricultural towns to get them well-deserved recognition.
"The Agricultural Town of the Year award is a way of giving thanks for everything agriculture and our regions contribute to South Australia, including adding $29 billion to the state's economy every year.
"Well done to the finalists."
Previous winners include Cleve, Kimba and Pinnaroo.
The 2022 Agricultural Town of the Year will be announced on Friday, November 4 at the Regional Showcase celebration.
- Details: agtown.com.au
