Anita Watt of Glenelg River Herbs won the Innovative Farmer of the Year category at the annual Farmer of the Year awards. 

The top honour recognised her work in product innovation and diversification at Glenelg River Herbs. 

Ms Watt was "overwhelmed" by the recognition and was honoured to be nominated alongside other farmers who are developing new, innovative products. 

She started Glenelg River Herbs in 2000 and the farm has grown into one of the largest rosemary operations in Australia. 

The company cornered the market for fresh herbs, but also created additional offerings with a range of dried herbs and essential oils. 

For the first 10 year, Ms Watt said the company's focus was on fresh rosemary for supermarkets, however, they eventually expanded its choice of herbs in 2012. 

"Being in Balmoral, we are so far from the metropolitan areas and transport was expensive. Our competitors on the city's fringe were always ahead," she said. 

"The bushes aren't used for fresh herbs after five years, so we developed a range of retail packets of dried herbs. 

"We wanted to go down the essential oil path more because it stopped wastage and it was also easy to transport." 

Ms Watt's essential oils have also been used for hand cream, foot balms and soap. She said the company has also created rosemary skewers and cotton bags of herbs for cooking. 

"We also make herb salt with Mount Zero and supply essential oils to Grampians Olive Co for their olive oil," she said. 

Related: Balmoral Herb grower moves to essential oils

"We always have a regional view and it's good to work with regional businesses." 

Ms Watt said the growth of products was behind the company's success for nearly 20 years. 

"People tire of products and want to try new things. It is important for this industry to be developing its ranges with different attributes to make them standout," she said. 

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