2009 The Provisor Environmental and Sustainability Award

IWTECH (KISSS Irrigation)

Continuous R & D: 10 years of research & development with the Australian Commonwealth Science and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), the University of Western Sydney, the University of Queensland and Charles Sturt University to conduct research into the natural capillary properties of soil.

Capillary irrigation: IWT now designs and manufactures several water-saving irrigation products based on this capillary irrigation concept.

Sub-surface KISSS irrigation uses up to 60 per cent less water than conventional irrigation systems. The unique sub surface design means moisture never reaches the surface which reduces weed propagation and the need for chemical application.

2009 The WBM Innovation Award

Croplands Equipment

History: Croplands started in 1972, manufacturing and assembling spraying equipment. In 1988, Croplands became a wholly owned subsidiary of Nufarm Ltd with 2500 employees and operations throughout Australasia, Europe and the Americas

Quantum Mist™: In the 1990s, Croplands recognized the potential for directional air application in grapes using the axial fan technology and in collaboration with SARDI (South Australian Research and Development Institute) began to commercially manufacture and distribute the Quantum Mist™. Further improvements where introduced to the design in 2004, 2006 and 2008 and showed that Cropland is committed to continuously improving spray application technology whilst providing safe, environmentally sound and effective products to grape growers and viticulture market.

2009 The DonaldsonWalsh Lawyers Export Award

Tarac Technologies Pty Ltd

Mission & Vision: Since it establishment in 1930, Tarac Technologies vision has been to provide environmental solutions and valued wine-based products to the Australian Wine Industry and contribute to its wine making processes and sustainability well into the future.

Export: Tarac Technologies exports an array of products to a variety of markets including Australian Grape Spirit, Wine Distillate/Brandy Spirit, Calcium Tartrate, Grape seed and skin extracts, and oak alternatives. These products, derived from residuals generated by the wine-making process of the Australian Wine Industry, are exported to South Africa, Netherlands, USA, Switzerland, New Zealand, China, Canada, Argentina, Italy, Spain and other EU countries. Recent success have encouraged Tarac's determination to build on the export expansion and identify new markets.

2009 The Chairman's Award

Louise Fraser, Managing Director of Pellenc Australia

Professional: Louise Fraser has made an outstanding contribution to, and is a passionate supporter of, the Australian wine industry supply sector. As Managing Director of Pellenc Australia for the last 17 years, Louise has led and motivated her staff to develop a reputation for quality products. As a passionate supporter of investment in R&D, the company's innovation and product development has accelerated under her leadership.

Wine Industry Involvement: Louise is also committed to supporting the role that suppliers play in ensuring dynamic growth of the Australian wine industry. She was a member of the Wine Industry Suppliers Australia Management Committee for six years, filled the Vice Chair position for one year and Chair for two years. In that time she represented the Australian Wine Industry supply sector to state and federal government as well as at international wine industry events in France. Louise is also actively involved in the French-Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FACCI) representing the wine sector.

2009 The Supplier of the Year Award

In-Field Ag Pty Ltd

History: Infield-Ag Pty Ltd started as Tom Ayers Rural Contracting in the early 1990s and evolved as Adelaide Hills Vineyard Contractors in 1996 and two subsidiaries arose from this business: The Wine Lab in 2000 and Junction Creek Vineyard in 2005. After a period of growth, it was restructured to the new entity, Infield-Ag Pty Ltd on 1 July 2008.

Service: Since its inception, Infield has concentrated on vineyard consultancy services and developed management services with technical support, an indispensable part of these services.

Innovation: Infield's innovative practices and include the Multi-wire spooling dispenser, weather stations installed in vineyards, crop analysis used to map vineyards and help determine productivity; biological control with trials using buckwheat at various locations in Adelaide as part of an on-going biodiversity project. Tom Ayers continues his association with the University of Adelaide with guest lectures to viticulture students.