Dr Clayton-Greene, who was nominated by AUSVEG, was presented with the accolade during the Congress Gala Dinner on Wednesday, in recognition of his lifetime of achievements and contributions to the Australian potato industry. He is only the second Australian to receive the prestigious international award. Mr David Montgomery was a previous winner in 2006.
AUSVEG CEO Richard Mulcahy:
“Dr Clayton-Greene has had a long and distinguished career in Australian horticulture, having prepared over 30 refereed research papers and written hundreds of horticulture industry articles, as well as working as General Manager for one of Australia’s largest potato and vegetable producers in Tasmania.”Dr Clayton-Greene has, for a number of years, represented Australian research and development on the International Potato Group. He has also been a Member of the National Industry Advisory Committee for the potato and vegetable industries, and Chair of the Australian Technical Advisory Groups for Potatoes and Vegetables.
“His efforts in biosecurity and plant health have gone a long way to safeguarding Australia from pests and diseases not currently present, as well as in educating growers on how to best manage current issues and reduce the risk of incursions.”
“His work in this space has been crucial in keeping the destructive Zebra chip disease and fresh potato imports from New Zealand out of Australia.”
“Throughout decades of experience in the Australian potato and horticulture industry, he has established himself as one of the industry’s most respected researchers and servants.”
“Dr Clayton-Greene has advanced and evolved the Australian potato industry to ensure not only that it maximises output and grows to its full potential, but also that quality and safety is never compromised.”
“His work on varietal licensing for potatoes initiated a shift in how Australian retailers market potatoes to consumers and also introduced a vast new range of varieties to growers, which created greater opportunities and solutions for the industry.”
In 2011 he was also awarded an AUSVEG Lifetime Achievement Award, and currently acts as the Biosecurity Advisor to AUSVEG, as well as a Biosecurity and Technical Consultant for Horticulture Innovation Australia.
“Dr Clayton-Greene has worked tirelessly on improving the Australian potato and horticulture industries, which are now regarded as among the most progressive in the world for their R&D practices.”
“AUSVEG was delighted to nominate Dr Clayton-Greene for this award, and we congratulate him on his lifetime of tireless work on behalf of the Australian potato industry.”
