Awarded at the yearly FNQ Growers Gala Dinner hosted in Mareeba, the event also features an exciting, fresh produce charity auction which raises money for local charities. All produce auctioned is grown & supplied directly from FNQ Grower members.

This award will recognise a Farmer who has demonstrated outstanding innovation in the FNQ Agricultural farming industry.

This can include, but is not limited to, the development of:

• new crops;
• new growing/farming methods;
• adoption of technology to deliver efficiency improvements (in the paddock, packhouse and supply chain).

This award will recognise a Farmer who has demonstrated exceptional leadership within their farming business, the Agricultural industry and community.

This can include, but is not limited to:

• leadership in organisations representing their respective commodities (Horticulture, Cane, Broadacre, Livestock etc), or the region broadly;
• representation on key advocacy bodies (relating to their agricultural sector or issues pertaining to Agriculture), at a local, regional or state level;
• leadership or representation on community groups or organisations (local, regional and state level);
• influence or standing in an industry (local, regional and state) outside official roles.