AN organic grower, third generation cropping farmer and social media blogger come mango grower from Mareeba are among the nominations for a Tableland farmer of the year award.
The Charlie Nastasi Horticultural Farmer of the Year recognises outstanding innovation or exceptional leadership in the industry.
Mareeba District Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association chair Joe Moro said there was an impressive lineup for the award.
"We are fortunate to have a number of farmers who make significant contributions to the horticulture industry," Mr Moro said.
The late Charlie Nastasi was a well-known former tobacco grower and mango farmer from Biboohra, near Mareeba, who diversified into niche fruit wines when he opened Golden Drop Winery in the early 1990s. He died in 2012.
Nominees for the award are citrus farmer Karen Muccignat, organic vegetable grower Don Murray (Nature’s Haven), rainforest tropical fruits grower Geraldine Maguire, cropping farmer and cattle producer Warren Jonsson and social media blogger and mango grower Jess Fealy (Blue Sky Produce).
The winner will be announced at a gala dinner at the Mareeba International Club on 16 September.
A fruit and vegetable auction will be held with all funds raised donated to the Mareeba Friends of the Hospital Foundation and the growers association.
