Fouth generation Victorian vegetable farmer Andrew Bulmer has been named Young Grower of the year at the AUSVEG 2011 National Convention and Awards for Excellence held in Brisbane on 16 April.
At just 30, Andrew is an experienced Operations Manager on his family business Bulmer Farm Fresh Vegetables, which employs 40 staff at Lindenow in East Gippsland.
The business produces lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, sweet corn and spinach on the fertile plains of the Mitchell River, supplying local processors as well as central fresh markets.
Andrew joined the family business after he graduated from secondary school and hasn’t looked back since.
He recently completed an Industry Leadership Course and the AusVeg Grower Study Tour to New Zealand. “To be a successful vegetable grower you have to love what you do, work hard and be an optimist” , said Andrew.
In addition to working in his family business, Andrew is an active member of the Gippsland vegetable industry and the National Industry Leadership Advisory Committee as well as the Vice President of the local football club.
Over the last 2 years, Bulmer Farms have made substantial investments in water infrastructure, expanded their production area from 250 to 700 acres and modernised their processing, packing and storage facilities.
“Since I started to be active in the industry I’ve gained a lot of knowledge, met many successful industry people and growers from different parts of Australia. I’ve become more confident and better able to use the learning experience to make positive changes to my families business”, said Andrew.
“I’d like to encourage others, especially young vegetable growers, to get out there and give to their industry and local community, great rewards and personal satisfaction will follow.”
See also : Sandra Godwin, Weekly Times - 20 April 2011
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