By Alesha Capone
Third-generation Werribee South farmer Catherine Velisha has been named the winner of a national award.
Ms Velisha, who is managing director of Velisha Farms, was announced as recipient of the Boomaroo Nurseries Women in Horticulture award at the Hort Connections 2021 National Awards for Excellence earlier this month.
Hort Connections 2021 is a joint initiative between AUSVEG and the Produce Marketing Association Australia – New Zealand.
The Boomaroo Nurseries Women in Horticulture award recognises a leading female member of the Australian horticulture industry who has demonstrated outstanding ability and success in her chosen field.
AUSVEG chief executive James Whiteside described Ms Velisha “as an inspirational and innovative leader in the fresh produce industry”.
“Catherine’s passion for the industry is evident in her broader work, including regular donations to food relief charities and establishing a horticulture specific education business, VEG Education, and partnering with others to promote and increase awareness on farm safety and building a career in the industry,” Mr Whiteside said.
Ms Velisha said that establishing the VEG Education program something of which she is particularly proud.
The program includes a farm experience for school students to visit a working production farm and packing facility and learn about produce and where food comes from.
“I’d like to get as many local schools as possible involved, for students to see where food comes from and that who they thought usually works on farms can actually be anyone,” Ms Velisha said.
She said that with the cultural diversity of Wyndham’s population, it was good to show children that people of all genders and backgrounds could grow up to have a career in agriculture.
“I probably don’t look like a traditional farmer,” she said.
“It’s good to be able to get that story across, that agriculture is for everyone.”
Details: www.vegeducation.com/veg-schools/
