- National spotlight
on Western Australian apple research - Steele Jacob
recognised for three decades of dedication to apple industry development - Mr Jacob worked
alongside the ‘father’ of the Pink Lady®
The Cook Government
has congratulated Western Australian researcher Steele Jacob, who received a
national Award for Excellence for his contribution to developing iconic apples
that have become household brands and are now grown around the world.
Mr Jacob was
presented with the Apple and Pear Australia Limited Research and Extension Provider
of the Year Award yesterday, recognising his more than 30 years of commitment
to improving apple production in Western Australia and beyond.
The Department of
Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) senior technical officer is
a key member of the apple breeding team, which develops unique and tasty new
varieties for consumers to enjoy and easy and profitable 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 – where he can be found in the laboratory or
the orchard of more than 50,000 seedlings.
Comments attributed to
Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
“Steele is a very worthy recipient of this
award and it’s great to see him achieve national recognition for his work.
“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.”