NEW NIBBLES NOW GROWN IN FAR NORTH
FARMING brothers Michael and Peter Ottone are growing edible pumpkin seeds in the Far North for the first time, planting five hectares on their Bilyana property.
The cane, pineapple and pumpkin growers join two other Tully producers who harvest these pumpkins specifically for their seeds, not their flesh.
The brothers planted five hectares on their Bilyana property this year, after a trial block last year.
“This Styrian pumpkin variety is a little different – its seeds naturally have no outer shell or husk, making them easier to process and eat,’’ Peter Ottone said.
Most pumpkin seeds eaten in Australia are imported pepitas, largely from China.
The Australian Pumpkin Seed Company, a family business, began commercial production of edible pumpkin seeds in southeast Queensland 19 years ago and is now based in Victoria.
The business is looking for more farmers to come on-board in FNQ to expand its supply operation.
“We see pumpkin seeds in our kids’ cereal, in breads and as snacks, and pretty much all of it is coming from outside Australia,” Mr Ottone said.
“We already grow organic pumpkins, so this is a new challenge for us.”
Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries’ Jodie Tubb said there was potential for seed production in the Far North, especially given pumpkins are already a crop in the region.
Terrain’s Wet Tropics Regional Agricultural Facilitator Evizel Seymour said initiatives like the recent soil health innovation tour that the Ottones participated in were helping Wet Tropics farmers to gain fresh perspectives.