Allan McGann, the face behind Australia’s extremely successful Agsafe drumMUSTER and ChemClear agvet chemical recycling programs, has been awarded the E.E. Muir and Sons Community Stewardship Award at Hort Connections 2023 in Adelaide.
The award recognises an individual or business that is proactive in developing or implementing a system or program of safe storage and use of on-farm materials above and beyond industry standards, engages in local or national community events and initiatives to develop wider industry participation and demonstrates the responsible planning and management of resources, leading to beneficial environmental impacts.
The award is supported by E.E. Muir and Sons, a major distributor of fertilisers, crop protectants, seeds and other farm supplies to the Australian agriculture industry, whose highly trained staff offer growers a complete agronomic and product package, based on the principles of quality and ethical service.
Mr McGann has been the guiding hand for the drumMuster program since 2001, and the ChemClear program since its launch in 2003, providing a collection and disposal pathway for unwanted agvet chemicals and containers, to avoid these chemicals being disposed of improperly.
drumMUSTER has collected and recycled more than 40 million agvet chemical containers since the program began, while ChemClear has collected and disposed of nearly 900,000 litres of unwanted chemicals.
“Allan’s tireless dedication and commitment to these important programs has ensured Australian farmers and agvet chemical users across the country have access to a safe, environmentally responsible way to dispose of their used containers and chemicals,” said AUSVEG CEO Michael Coote.
“As a farmer himself, Allan is well aware of the challenges they have historically faced disposing of agricultural waste products responsibly. He was instrumental in developing the drumMUSTER and ChemClear programs to ensure there was a better way to remove plastic waste and unwanted chemicals from farms and out of rural communities.
“Allan has not only become the face of these programs over the past 20 years but is also regarded as their heart and soul. His contribution to these important programs and the positive outcome they have for the broader community have made him a very deserving recipient of the Community Stewardship Award.”
Hort Connections 2023 is a joint initiative between AUSVEG and the International Fresh Produce Association of Australia-New Zealand (IFPA A-NZ).
