The 2008 President's Medal dinner will be held on Tuesday 26 August 2008 at The Ivy Ballroom, Sydney. For more details about this dinner, please contact Helen Parker on (02) 9704 1218.

The finalists selected for the 2008 President's Medal are as follows:

* Shadowfax (2006 Shadowfax Chardonnay)

* Evans & Tate (2005 The Reserve Shiraz)

* Country Valley (Lush Traditional Handmade Natural Yoghurt)

* King Island Dairy (Bass Strait Blue Cheese)

* Pendleton Estate (Pendleton Estate Blend Olive Oil)

* Sapphire Coast Smoked Fish (Hot Smoked Atlantic Salmon)

In 2006 the Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) of NSW launched the inaugural “President’s Medal” to promote and reward profitable and sustainable Australian primary industries.

The President’s Medal is the only competition of its kind in Australia where Champion products and producers from the Wine, Dairy and Fine Food industries are judged, one against another, on a multifaceted basis.

The Finalists

Six Champion products from the 2008 Wine Dairy & Fine Food Competitions will be nominated by the Chairmen of the Wine (David Clarke AO), Dairy (Gerry Andersen) and Fine Food (Lyndey Milan) Committees to compete for the Medal.

The Judging Process

On-site Judging – The RAS decided it is vital for the integrity of the competition to send representatives from the judging panel to visit each producer and review their operations. Two judges will be dispatched to observe the production practices of the finalists and to gather economic and local information.

Triple Bottom Line

This assessment is undertaken by economists from the NSW Department of Primary Industries through interviews with producers and using information gathered by the on-site judges to identify the producer’s Financial, Social and Environmental performance.

The “Human Factor”

The RAS believes it is important to take into account the “Human Factor” involved with producing Champion products. Due merit is therefore given to producers for their passion, commitment and enthusiasm as they pursue excellence.

Market Acceptance

Acceptance in the market place is fundamental for the long-term success of a Champion product. Key industry professionals will be brought in for the final round of judging to ascertain the market acceptance and point of sale appeal of each product.

The Sponsors

The President’s Medal is proudly supported and sponsored by NSW Department of Primary Industries and Woolworths Ltd.

The Prize

The winner receives a generous monetary prize and a silver heritage RAS President’s Medal to be presented at a gala dinner at The Ivy Ballroom, Sydney.

For more information on the 2008 President's Medal please call (02) 9704 1218 or email finefood@rasnsw.com.au.