Renowned Bowen horticulturalist Carl Walker has been named the first #eatqld Champion.
Speaking in Bowen, Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said the #eatqld Champion award was in recognition of individuals, groups or organisations that promote Queensland produce locally, regionally, nationally, or internationally.
"Carl Walker ticks all of those boxes with his passion and commitment to not only growing great produce but also promoting it with such enthusiasm and dedication," Mr Furner said.
"Carl is very well known in the industry as the Bowen Gumlu Growers Association President, a local horticulturalist of many years, and a board member of the Water Advisory Group and Don River Improvement Trust.
"He is acknowledged as one of Australia's best fruit and vegetable growers and was a nominee for the AUSVEG Grower of the Year.
"Carl has been a mentor for many growers in the region, trains many staff in the ways of the industry and is a caring, community-minded person who works for the benefit of the whole community, not just a few.
"It gives me great pleasure to confirm his new status as our first-ever #eatqld Champion, and I know Carl will continue to be a promoter and great ambassador for the sector."
Mr Furner said the Palaszczuk Government's #eatqld campaign encouraged the community to eat local, stay healthy and support jobs in the state's agricultural sector.
"Our produce is second to none. We are urging everybody to explore Queensland-grown food and when you do we ask that you take a photograph and share it online using the hashtag #eatqld".
"By eating Queensland-produced meat, seafood, fruit, nuts and veggies you support everybody that brings that food to your table."
