On The Land
27 July, 2025
Who’ll be Farmer of the Year?
NOMINATIONS for the 2025 Charlie Nastasi Horticultural Farmer of the Year are now open and locals are being encouraged to put forward worthy growers, with submissions set to close next Monday.
The prestigious award honours a horticultural grower who has demonstrated outstanding innovation and exceptional leadership in the Far North Queensland horticultural commodities.
The award is an initiative of peak advocacy body, FNQ Growers, and named in honour of the late Charlie Nastasi, an innovative mango grower from Biboohra, near Mareeba.
Last year, Paddy’s Green mango producer Deb Nucifora took out the award.
FNQ Growers president Joe Moro said nominees should address award criteria in two key areas.
“The award seeks those growers who have demonstrated outstanding innovation in horticulture through the development of new crops, new growing methods or adoption of technology to deliver efficiency improvements across the supply chain,” he said.
“The award also seeks to recognise growers who have displayed exceptional leadership.
“This can be in organisations representing their respective horticultural commodities, key advocacy groups and community groups.
“Exceptional leadership can also include a grower’s influence or standing in an industry – outside official duties.”
Nominations are open until 28 July and can be emailed to secretary@fnqgrowers.com.au or posted to PO Box 989, Mareeba 4880.
A gala growers dinner will be held on 5 September when the 2025 winner will be announced.
