14/2/08
A pioneer in establishing Gingin’s olive industry has won the 2008 Western Australian Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) Rural Women’s Award.
Agriculture and Food Minister Kim Chance presented the award to Maggie Edmonds last night.
Mr Chance said the award acknowledged Mrs Edmonds endeavours in establishing her own olive business, with her husband Mark, and her wider contribution to agriculture in WA.
“Maggie has achieved so much since emigrating from Africa more than 20 years ago,” he said.
“Maggie and Mark have marketed their olives through ‘The Get Stuffed Olive Company’ and their ‘Gingin Heritage Estate’ brands and they have also successfully grown passionfruit.”
The Minister said Maggie had also given much of her time to local and national organisations to help primary producers and advance the olive industry.
Her award includes a $10,000 bursary to develop her project and the opportunity to attend a company director’s course.
Mrs Edmonds plans to use her bursary to pursue her vision to establish an information centre and retail outlet for small and medium-sized businesses to receive practical advice on product development and marketing.
“I admire Maggie’s passion to encourage the broader community to better understand what farmers do and their importance to the economy and society,” Mr Chance said.
The runner-up for the award was Facey Group president and Wheatbelt farmer Audrey Bird from Wickepin.
Anita Tropiano from Tardun and Cheryl Kneebone from Albany were also finalists in the award.
The RIRDC award has created opportunities for more than 20 women to realise their vision for a range of agricultural sectors during the last nine years.
The State Government continues to provide a commitment to women in rural WA through its Rural, Remote and Regional Women’s Network, which is jointly supported by the Department of Agriculture and Food and the Department of Local Government and Regional Development.
Minister's Office - 9213 6700
