Mr Clingeleffer, who currently holds the position of Project Portfolio and Team Leader at CSIRO Plant Industry, has been an enthusiastic and tireless supporter of Australian horticulture for nearly 40 years. He is regarded as an expert in the development of modern practices and improved varieties for dried grape, table grape and wine grape production with significant worldwide impact at both the scientific and industry adoption levels.
Despite his long-standing career with the CSIRO and his significant contributions to the industry over the years, Mr Clingeleffer was surprised to be given the Graham Gregory Award.
"It was very unexpected and I am absolutely delighted to be honoured with such a recognised industry award," Mr Clingeleffer said.
His impressive body of work, carried out over a lifetime, is precisely what the Graham Gregory Award recognises. Named in honour of the inaugural Chair the Horticultural Research and Development Corporation (HAL's predecessor), Graham Gregory, the award is Australian horticulture's highest accolade and carries with it a $10,000 prize.
Mr Clingeleffer has been involved in CSIRO's vine management and vine improvement research since joining the CSIRO division of Horticulture in 1972.
The award recognises his significant research achievements and ongoing contributions to the development of modern table grape, dried grape and wine grape industries based on adoption of innovative and sound scientific outcomes, his international reputation, his role in science management and influence on colleagues.
From 1996 to 2009 he was the Riverlink Viticulture Program Manager, a key regional role responsible for the coordination of regional grape research, development and extension across three state agencies and CSIRO. In this role he was responsible for the conduct of industry R&D planning forums and provision of advice on development of new projects for viticulture.
The list of scientific achievements, recognition by international peers and significant adoption at both the national and international levels is testament to Mr Clingeleffer's influence on his field of research and the viticulture industries.
To facilitate adoption he has always maintained strong links with the industry through participative research on commercial properties, development of extensive industry networks and involvement in strong collaborative research, both within, and external to CSIRO Plant Industry. Currently he participates actively in key industry committees and major companies including the Murray Valley Table Grape Growers Council and the Australian Tablegrape Growers Association Conference Committee, the ADFA Drying for Profit program and ADFA Mechanisation Subcommittee, the Riverland Wine Industry Development Council Technical Subcommittee, the Riverland alternative wine varieties group, Mildura Wines and its Eduction Subcommittee. Mr Clingeleffer is always prepared to provide significant input into industry conferences, forums and grower courses.
The HAL Awards also recognised a Young Leader, Victorian Vegetable Grower Mr Richard Hawkes.
The Young Leader Award is open to nominees under 35 who are able to demonstrate leadership in any discipline related to the horticulture industry.
Source: Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL)
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