On The Land
4 September, 2024
Four finalists for prestigious farmer award
FOUR finalists have been selected for the 2024 Charlie Nastasi Farmer of the Year which will be announced next week.
FNQ Growers president Joe Moro said he was impressed by the quality of finalists.
“I believe that the horticultural industry in Far North Queensland has a very promising future with farmers like our finalists leading the way,” he said.
Nominations for this year were received from throughout the Far North Queensland region, with four finalists selected to be assessed by the judges for their innovation, industry leadership and community contribution.
Finalists include Joe Zappala growing papaya and sugar cane, Deb Nucifora growing mangoes, Claude Santucci growing lemons and sugar cane, and Bradley Moulton growing lemon myrtle.
Joe Zappala has been growing sugar cane and papayas on the family farm near South Johnstone for nearly 40 years. He has invested heavily in fertigation systems and crop rotation to improve water efficiencies and soil quality.
Deb Nucifora is a hard-working volunteer and business manager. Deb attends every mango industry conference and is always looking for opportunities to develop the Deb’s Gold Mangoes brand.
Claude Santucci has been a leader of the cane industry for many years and brings his experience as a mentor and community leader to the citrus industry.
Bradley Moulton leads the team at Australian Native Products as the largest grower and processor of organic lemon myrtle in the country.
FNQ Growers will announce the winner of the 2024 Charlie Nastasi Farmer of the Year Award at the gala dinner on 13 September at the Mareeba International Club.
The event will feature a charity auction and entertainment by Shandell. Tickets for the dinner can be purchased through www.trybooking.com/COTDM
