Cotton Australia CEO, Adam Kay, said it gave him pleasure to announce such a strong field of finalists for this year's awards from every sector of the industry.

"We have 12 finalists in four categories who are at the top of their field and have shown remarkable innovation, leadership and resilience through what have been some the industry's toughest years," he said.

"It's time to salute the people that have made a positive contribution to the cotton industry and the communities in which they live.

"Because of their dedication and hard work, the Australian cotton industry is leading the world in the global cotton industry's environmental best practice."

The winners of each category will be announced at a gala dinner on August 14, 2008, at the Australian Cotton Conference on the Gold Coast, Queensland.

The finalists in each category are:

Monsanto Grower of the Year:

* Richard Cathcart, Wee Waa, NSW

* Chris Henley, Goondiwindi, Qld

* Andrew Watson, Boggabri, NSW

AgriRisk Innovative Grower of the Year:

* Graham Clapham, Cecil Plains, Qld

* Glenn Fresser and Family, Dalby, Qld

* Andrew Parkes, Moree, NSW

CSD ACGRA Researcher of the Year:

* Michael Bange, Narrabri, NSW

* Mark Hickman, Toowoomba, Qld

* Rene van der Sluijs, Belmont, Vic

Cotton Industry Young Achiever of the Year:

* Tracey Farrell, Narrabri, NSW

* Will Kirkby, Moree, NSW

* Hamish Millar, Emerald, Qld

There are no finalists in the Incitec Pivot Service to Industry award category.

A winner will be announced at the Cotton Industry Awards.

Tickets and further information to the conference and awards dinner are available at www.australiancottonconference.com.au