The Cook Government has congratulated WA researcher Steele Jacob, who received a national award for excellence for his contribution to developing apples that are now grown around the world.
Jacob was presented with the Apple and Pear Australia Limited Research and Extension Provider of the Year Award yesterday.
The award recognised his more than 30 years of commitment to improving apple production in WA and beyond.
Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis said Jacob is a worthy recipient of the award and it’s great to see him receive the recognition he deserves.
“DPIRD’s apple breeding team is known for its innovation and collaborative approach in developing exciting new varieties and supporting growers to produce premium apples that appeal to consumers at home and abroad.
“It is wonderful to see John Cripps’ legacy continuing to transform the Australian apple breeding and marketing landscape,” said Jarvis.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) senior technical officer is a key member of the apple breeding team.
The team itself develops unique and tasty new varieties for consumers to enjoy for farmers to grow.
Mr Jacob worked alongside the ‘father’ of the Pink Lady®, Sundowner® and Bravo® branded apples, the late John Cripps, in the latter part of his career, and is proud to continue his legacy.
The long-time Manjimup local is well known for his passion, affable approach, vast knowledge and willingness to go above and beyond to support industry development.
Mr Jacob is based at DPIRD’s Manjimup Horticulture Research Institute – home to the Australian National Apple Breeding Program.
There, he can be found in the laboratory or the orchard of more than 50,000 seedlings.