Opotiki organic kiwifruit growers Mark and Catriona White have won a top award in a national farming contest.

The Opotiki orchardists collected the sustainable farming and growing national ambassador prize at the Balance Farm Environment Awards in Wellington.

The couple won entry to the event by scooping four awards, including the supreme one, at a regional competition in February. They competed against dairy, sheep and beef farmers as well as beekeepers and orchardists who promote sustainable land practices.

Judging panel chairperson Dianne Kidd says the Whites demonstrate an excellent understanding of all aspects of sustainable food production.'They are outstanding strategic and agile thinkers on the key issues for New Zealand and have strong primary sector and community leadership qualities,” she says.”

'They are strong users of evidence-based science and technology in their business and orchard and demonstrate a broad global market understanding and a real energy to be agents of change.”

Zespri has congratulated the Whites on their win, which includes an overseas study tour prize.

'We've long known the Whites are outstanding growers and exceptional people and this win on the national stage is thoroughly deserved,” says Zespri's Carol Ward. 'They are real heroes of sustainability.”

Ms Ward said the judging panel also singled out the Whites' respect for Maori kaitiakitanga conservation values, their communication and teamwork and natural leadership.