General News
9 September, 2025
Gala night for horticulturalists
ATHERTON farmer Jason Salvetti was given the prestigious Charlie Nastasi Farmer of the Year award at a recent gala dinner that celebrated the region’s horticultural industries.
Mr Salvetti, a fourth-generation farmer of Salvetti Farming, was recognised for his innovation as a mixed-crop farmer, growing sugarcane, soybeans, and cotton.
He was recognised for being the “driving force” behind the region’s emerging cotton industry by supporting variety trials, investing in equipment, and collaborating with other farmers through the North Queensland Sustainable Cropping Group.
His success with his cotton crop led him to include it as part of his rotation, saying “watching a field of green turn to white is not only beautiful, but addicting”.
In sugarcane, he has led irrigation automation projects, engineered custom machinery, and has generated long-term harvesting solutions for a network of growers.
“I’m really excited to be named the Farmer of the Year,” he said.
“It just shows that all the hard work and dedication is not going unnoticed.
“I was very surprised. The other nominees are both very successful farmers in their own rights, so I’m very grateful.”
The FNQ Growers gala dinner last Friday night saw a few special guests including Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett and Member for Cook David Kempton.
FNQ Growers president Joe Moro said that this year’s nominees were probably the youngest group of farmers in the award night’s history.
“This group in particular are all young farmers with a lot of passion. It’s really good to see some young farmers coming through,” he said.
“This night is an opportunity for our growers, stakeholders, and supporters to celebrate the achievements of the industry.”
He also paid homage to the early “pioneers” of the local agricultural industry. Charlie Nastasi, who the Farmer of the Year award is named after, and the late Dennis Howe.
“Dennis led by the fact that he wanted to be successful and be entrepreneurial. Through those qualities, he governed a very big organisation, which has been the cornerstone of this region,” Mr Moro said.
Other nominees up for the award were Katie Hrkac of Tropical North Fruitz in Dimbulah, and Martin Inderbitzin of Kureen Farming and Berry North, who has farms across Atherton, Kairi, Yungaburra, and Dimbulah.
Ms Hrkac is a third-generation farmer growing pawpaw, papaya, and limes who took over management after her father had a medical event.
Mr Inderbitzin, also a third-generation farmer, grows blueberries, avocados, and custard apples.
The event’s annual auction also raised a record amount of $33,100.
Mareeba Friends of the Hospital Foundation will receive $13,700, $8,500 for mental health will go to Black Cockatoo Foundation, and $10,900 will go to the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
