Community & Business
8 September, 2026
Third-generation farmer picks up prestigious award
A THIRD-generation farmer from Rollingstone has won the prestigious Charlie Nastasi Farmer of the Year award at a gala dinner held on Saturday night.
Stephen Pace primarily grows pineapples – producing around 5000 tonnes each year – but also grows sugar cane, watermelons and pumpkins on different farms and has about 600 head of Brahman-cross cattle as well.
Mr Pace was one of three finalists for the award, the others being avocado grower Francis Arockiasamy from Avo North at Dimbulah and banana producers Jenny and Adrian Crema from Crema Bananas in Tully.
The award is named in honour of the late Charlie Nastasi and recognises farmers who demonstrate excellence in innovation, successfully navigate business challenges, and contribute to the industry or community by supporting and inspiring others.
Mr Pace has been farming for two decades now, following in the footsteps of his grandfather and father.
“I’m proud of the fact that my grandfather started 90 years ago, and you know, we’re still here, still growing pineapples and sugarcane,” he said.
“I mean the industry hasn’t changed a great deal over my time on the farm, which has been since the early 80s.
“The big change was the introduction of the low acid pineapples – we call them hybrid varieties.
“I’ve been nominated for this award, but in our business, it’s a combined business effort. It’s Pace Farming. I’m only one part of that, so I just want to acknowledge that if it wasn’t for my grandfather and dad and his two brothers, I wouldn’t be here anyway.
“So, it’s honestly a combined effort, and it’s nice to get recognition, but everybody has been involved, not just me.”
Mr Pace has also played a role in the sector at an industry level, being one of a group of growers who established Australian Pineapples, a committee on which he served as chairman for 10 years.
In accepting his award, Mr Pace told the crowds he was humbled.
“Look, I’m lost for words. To be honest, I’m very humble,” he said.
“I’m not a person who likes accolades so much, but I am so proud to have won it for my family, because, as I said, my family is the reason why I think our business is so successful, and it’s just something that we’re very proud of.”
The event also raises money for charity through an auction which raised $38,250 – the beneficiaries were Mareeba Friends of the Hospital ($17,250), Black Cockatoo Foundation ($11,000) and the Royal Flying Doctors Service ($10,000).
