Hort Innovation has praised an industry stalwart after he was recognised in the Australia Day honours list
Hort Innovation has congratulated respected Australian horticulture stalwart Joe Saina after he received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2026 Australia Day Honours List.
The recognition was given for his service to horticulture, particularly the fresh produce sector, with a focus on international trade.
Queensland-based Saina is described as a “cornerstone” of the Australian horticulture trade landscape for more than two decades, contributing enduring leadership, technical expertise and national representation across the $17 billion industry.
Hort Innovation chair Julie Bird says Saina’s recognition acknowledges his commitment to strengthening Australia’s position in global horticulture markets for the benefit of Australian growers.
“His leadership and dedication have played a critical role in building trusted export pathways and supporting the long‑term success of Australia’s fresh produce sector, especially in export,” she says.
“Joe’s contribution spans governance at chair of the Fresh and Secure Trade Alliance (FASTA) Governance Committee, trade advocacy through Australian Horticultural Trade, market development and export of Australia produce to consumers around the world through his company A.S Barr based in Brisbane.”
Saina has been a board member of Australian Horticultural Trade since 2007, which included eight years as chairman between 2016 and 2024, while he has held the FASTA governance committee chair role since 2023.
Outside of horticulture, he was also a Lieutenant in the Royal Australian Navy (Reserves) between 1988 and 2000.