APPRECIATED for his technical expertise, practical approach and understanding of the challenges faced on farm, Dr Singh has become a trusted and respected contributor to the industry. It is this long-standing commitment to industry that recently saw Dr SP Singh recognised as Researcher of the Year 2026 at the Horticulture Awards for Excellence.

Good research is important, but for growers what really matters is whether that research helps solve problems on farm, improves the way things are done, or gives businesses greater confidence in meeting industry requirements.

Throughout his career, Dr Singh has focused on exactly that. Rather than keeping research at arm's length from industry, he has worked closely with growers, packers and supply chain businesses to make sure the science delivers practical outcomes.

As a Senior Research Scientist with the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, he has spent more than 20 years working on some of horticulture's most important challenges, particularly in the area of fresh produce food safety. His work has helped growers better understand and manage risks while meeting the increasing expectations of customers, regulators and consumers.

Industry programs such as Safe Leafy Veg and Safe Melons have provided growers and supply chain businesses with better information and tools for managing food safety risks. Through this work, Dr Singh has led research into areas including soil and water management, food safety risk mitigation and postharvest systems, with a strong focus on producing outcomes that can be applied in practice.

Working closely with industry has been a consistent feature of his career. A key part of that has been making sure research delivers outcomes that are useful, relevant and achievable in commercial production systems. Through on farm trials, workshops and industry projects, he has worked with growers to better understand food safety risks and put practical management strategies in place.

Alongside his work with growers, Dr Singh has built a strong reputation nationally and internationally through research leadership, professional service and collaboration. Over his career he has secured significant research funding, contributed to major industry projects and held leadership roles in horticultural and food safety organisations in Australia and overseas.

Across food safety risks, production practices and new research findings, Dr Singh has a knack for making complex information easier to understand.

His ability to translate technical concepts into clear, practical advice has helped growers and industry stakeholders make informed decisions and confidently apply research in real-world settings.

Through presentations, workshops and direct engagement with growers, he has helped bridge the gap between research and day-to-day decision-making.

Food safety is one of those things that often goes unnoticed when everything is working well. Yet it sits behind consumer confidence, market access and the reputation of Australian fresh produce. Dr Singh has played a leading role in helping the industry strengthen those foundations through research that is evidence-based, practical and relevant to the realities of commercial production.

“SP's willingness to listen, understand on-farm realities and work alongside industry has earned him enormous respect. This award is fitting recognition of a career dedicated to improving food safety, strengthening market access and supporting the long-term sustainability of Australian horticulture,” Mr Spackman said.

For more than two decades, Dr Singh has worked to make research relevant, practical and accessible to the people who need it most. His contribution can be seen not only in the projects he has led, but in the growers, businesses and industries that have benefited from that work. It is a contribution that has helped strengthen Australian horticulture and one that is widely respected across the sector. WAG