Waikerie is the Agricultural Town of the Year 2026
Waikerie has been named South Australia's Agricultural Town of the Year 2026 recognising its rich agricultural diversity and innovation in the community.
“This award belongs to the people and businesses of Waikerie. Their dedication, innovation and pride make Waikerie a great place to live, work and visit. We hope this recognition will highlight the agricultural excellence and community spirit of Waikerie and bring new opportunities for tourism, funding and local businesses.” Said Mayor Norton.
Waikerie was selected from 91 nominated towns from across South Australia, with Burra and Cummins named as the other two finalists.
With around 6,000 hectares under irrigated horticulture and viticulture, Waikerie is a working agricultural powerhouse and a strong fit for the title of Agricultural Town of the Year. Citrus and wine grapes remain the foundation of the local economy, but growers have not stood still. They have diversified into almonds, avocados, olives, pistachios, dates, seed potatoes, melons, pumpkins and onions, alongside broadacre cropping, livestock and honey, and have moved into specialty fruit such as yuzu, Buddha’s hand, pomegranates, figs, feijoas, pomelos, mangoes and jujubes. That scale and range show a district that backs its agricultural heritage while adapting to new markets and opportunities, which is the foresight, innovation and community spirit the award is designed to recognise.
The independent judging panel praised Waikerie for its strong vision for the future and willingness to continue to grow and evolve, including looking beyond its own borders for ideas and opportunities.
Judges Kris Lloyd AM, Professor Simon Maddocks and Joyce Ceravolo praised the depth and quality of the town’s award submission and the panel’s exceptional experiences from what they described as “one of the best visits ever” to a country town.
They were particularly impressed by the way the town involved young people and students in telling Waikerie’s story, giving the next generation an opportunity to shape the current and future narrative of their town by sharing their own experiences and perspectives.
Mayor Norton said “We must thank the volunteers, students and business owners who put a huge effort into hosting the judges and showcasing the whole of Waikerie. The visit was a perfect representation of our town and its people.”
The Agricultural Town of the Year Award recognises South Australian towns that excel in agricultural practices and are great places to live and work. An initiative of the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) and delivered in partnership with InDaily, the award highlights the vital role that agriculture plays in the regional landscape – being the backbone of many regional communities.
The resilience of Waikerie business owners and community must be commemorated after facing drought, flood, frost, heatwaves, fruit fly, and rising costs, yet continue to have a passion for their town and invest and innovate. This win comes after a top 5 placing in 2022 and top 10 placing in 2023, showing a dedication to keep evolving and growing.
“This is a fantastic result for Waikerie, a town that has always adapted and looked for new opportunities, whether that’s a new crop, a new product or a new way of bringing people together. This recognition will help us tell that story, attract workers and investment, and show people why the Riverland is worth a visit.” Said David Beaton, CEO.
Waikerie joins a list of previous Agricultural Town of the Year winners Cleve (2019), Pinnaroo (2020), Kimba (2021), Mypolonga (2022), Wudinna (2023), Penola (2024) and Lameroo (2025).
Following the win, Waikerie has received a trophy and will get a special town entrance sign and community celebration event with more details to come.