Farmers eager to break new ground
A MULTI-crop farmer who uses cutting-edge smartphone technology to adjust his irrigation schedule is one of four Tablelands’ growers in line for the Charlie Nastasi Horticultural Farmer of the Year Award this Friday night.
Mareeba lime, pomelo and custard apple grower Jose Caamano has been manufacturing his own fertiliser blends and is starting to trial Japanese radish to improve water retention.
The industry innovator heads a unique crop of Tablelands farmers who will vie for the region’s horticulture industry’s top honour.
Fruit growers Matthew Perkes, Elio Quintieri and Sam Collins are also in contention.
The Mareeba District Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association toiled over the merits of each nominee and their contribution to agriculture.
MDFVGA president Joe Moro said it would be difficult to pick a winner.
“Each nominee brings something unique to the local horticultural industry and should be congratulated for leading the way in their respective areas,” he said.
“We’ve had some outstanding nominees in the past and this year will be no different.”
The annual awards continues the legacy of the late Mr Nastasi, who was the region’s largest mango producer and principal of Golden Drop Mango Winery.
The farming pioneer started growing mangoes at his Bilwon tobacco property in the 1970s and was considered by many to be a farming innovator.
The awards takes in growers across the Atherton Tablelands and Lakeland area.
Previous winners include multi-crop farmer Warren Jonsson, banana grower Mark Reppel, farming brothers Joe and Tony Bianco and pineapple grower Stephen Scurr.
Mr Moro said innovation was crucial for driving the industry forward.
“In order to remain competitive, our industry must be able to overcome any future challenges,” he said.
“(We do this) by encouraging farmers to embrace technologies that improve efficiency, increase yield and help sustainability for decades to come.”
The winner will be announced at the annual industry dinner on Friday night. involvement in farming, manufacturing and equipment. Sam Collins: The awardwinning Calypso and Honey Gold mango grower also has avocados and lychees at his three Dimbulah properties. He has headed water conservation practices and embraced new technologies.