- Pinnaroo won the 2020 competition from among 70 different towns
- 2021's extension was due to the state's recent lockdown
Pinnaroo, near the South Australia-Victoria border, won last year’s “Ag Town of the Year” competition, selected from among 70 different towns from a pool of 119 nominations.
Pinnaroo is a major centre for wheat, barley, sheep and mixed farming with land diversification in place that has now allowed for market gardening of potatoes and onions, facilitated by the natural underground water supply.
The other finalists during last year’s program were Parndana, Kapunda, Woodside and Kimba – the latter famous for not just featuring an 8-metre galah along the highway, but for being located halfway across Australia.
David Basham, Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, said the extension for nominations was due to the state’s recent lockdown.
Mr Basham added the program is aimed at recognising the vital role agriculture plays in the state’s economy.
“Agriculture is a critical part of our state and the Ag Town of the Year award highlights the communities that support industries including grains, horticulture, meat and livestock, dairy, grape and wine, forestry, plus fisheries and aquaculture,” he said.
“We have so many proud regional communities in South Australia and I look forward to seeing the nominations for this year.
“Our regions matter – they contribute around $29 billion per year to the South Australian economy across a range of industries including farming, fishing, mining, manufacturing and tourism.”
David Basham, Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development
A public vote will occur for the nominated towns where five finalists will be selected to vie for the title of the 2021 South Australian Agricultural town of the Year.
The winner will be subsequently announced at the 2021 Regional Showcase celebration event scheduled for November.
