San Remo announces Mark McInerney as the 2015 Durum Grower of the Year

South Australian grain grower and 5^th generation farmer, Mark McInerney, has been crowned with the prestigious title of Durum Grower of the Year for 2015.

The annual Award, which is sponsored by San Remo, is designed to recognise the contribution of farmers who grow and produce quality Durum for use in making quality pasta products.

Mr McInerney operates a 13000 hectare farming operation in the Riverton district, and said he was honoured to receive the award, which was announced at Adelaide’s Carnevale Italian Festival in early February.

In addition to Durum wheat, Mr McInerney also undertakes continuous cropping of barley, beans, canola, and producing hay for export. He also runs a Poll Hereford cattle stud which was established over 68 years ago from his Riverton property, Garryowen.

“I have been growing durum wheat for about twenty five years and it is rewarding to know that the premium Durum wheat that we produce goes on to be enjoyed by families across Australia – including my own,” Mr McInerney said.

“The other finalists would have been worthy winners in their own right, so I was left quite shocked and surprised by the honour, and thank San Remo for its ongoing commitment to primary producers, the wider industry and working with researchers to help develop new and more sustainable Durum varieties,” he said.

"This award helps to raise awareness of the quality that is offered by Durum wheat, and hopefully encourages other primary producers to also start growing quality Durum," Mr McInerney said.

Southern Australia Durum Growers Association President, Mr Mark Hill, offered his congratulations to Mr McInerney and the finalists.

“The Durum Grower of the Year Award is an example of the success that comes with primary producers working with business to deliver a quality product for consumers to enjoy, and we appreciate the ongoing support shown by San Remo to the Australia Durum industry,” Mr Hill said.

As winner, Mr McInerney gets to enjoy an Italian holiday, and says that wife Rachael and children Cooper and Estelle are yet to settle on an agreed date.