The RAS President’s Medal is a prestigious award, now in its second year that recognises excellence in Australia’s primary industries, and rewards innovation, quality and passion. The award is proudly supported and sponsored by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Woolworths Ltd.
The RAS President’s Medal is the only competition of its kind in Australia, judging products alongside each other on a multifaceted basis. Established in 2006, to reward producers developing products using sustainable practices and raising consumer awareness, the RAS President’s Medal honours the very best of the best in agricultural production and comes with the highest distinction.
A total of six Champion products from the Sydney Royal Wine, Dairy & Fine Food Shows are selected as finalists by the Chairmen of the Wine (David Clarke AO), Dairy (Gerry Andersen) and Fine Food (Lyndey Milan) Committees.
The inaugural President’s Medal was won in 2006 by NSW based Tathra Oysters. The family-owned company scored well on all fronts and was commended for its environmentally friendly approach.
In 2007, at the gala ‘Best of the Land Dinner’ held at Sydney Opera House, Prime Minister, The Hon John Howard MP, presented the second President’s Medal to worthy winner, Hardy Wines for their 2004 Eileen Hardy Chardonnay.
The Eileen Hardy Chardonnay was among outstanding company with the five other nominees all displaying world class production values, practices and innovation. The Champion nominees for the 2007 award included Woodside Cheese Wright for its Paisley Blue Goat Cheese (SA), Castle Rock Estate for its 2006 Riesling (WA), South Coast Dairy for its Organic Lite Milk (NSW), Nicholson Fine Foods for its Italian Style Cherry Vinegar (NSW) and High Trees Estate for its Rainforest Blend Espresso Coffee (NSW).
Judging is conducted by an elite panel of food and wine experts, who assess the six finalists on a number of levels. The process includes conducting on-site visits to determine the financial and social performance of each product as well as the environmental sustainability of the production processes. Marketplace acceptance, consumer value, and appeal are considered alongside the overall enthusiasm, dedication, and passion of the producer. Two judges, Simon Marnie (ABC Radio) and DPI Chief Economic Analyst, Scott Davenport travel to the various sites to access individual operations. The winner is awarded $10,000 and a silver heritage medal, presented by the Prime Minister.
The RAS President’s Medal is recognition of outstanding contribution to Australian agriculture, not only for the final product but also for the development processes, production practices, and passion of all the producers. The award is a showcase of the standard of the Australian Primary Industries and an opportunity to promote sustainable agriculture practices throughout the country.
Following the Sydney Royal Wine, Dairy & Fine Food Shows in February 2008, a further six Champion products will be put forward to begin the process of selecting the RAS President’s Medal winner for 2008.
For a summary of the President's Medal, click here.
