AGRICULTURE Minister Leanne Donaldson has avoided commenting on a planned protest by farm groups on Thursday over the Palaszczuk government’s controversial new vegetation management laws.
Ms Donaldson said the Ekka was the perfect opportunity for Brisbane residents to show how much they appreciate the farmers who put food on their tables.
Ms Donaldson dodged the controversy created by environment minister Steven Miles who used World Tree Day this week to claim AgForce was attempting to politicise the Ekka over the issue.
In marked contrast to her cabinet colleague, the member for Bundaberg chose to focus on what the Ekka offered and the contribution farmers and agriculture made to Queensland.
“Many of Queensland’s farmers are experiencing their fourth year of a record drought but the production value of our agricultural sector has continued to rise,” Ms Donaldson said.
“That says everything you need to know about the resilience and determination of Queensland’s primary producers.
“Once again they will put on an awe-inspiring show of world-class produce at Ekka and I will be leading the cheer squad.”
Ms Donaldson said the Ekka was Queensland’s leading agricultural show, but it was important to acknowledge that, at dozens of regional shows the length and breadth of our state, farmers are displaying the results of their skills, ingenuity, hard work and entrepreneurship.
“It’s their chance to shine and take a bow,” she said. “Queensland wouldn’t be Queensland without its farmers and the unique contribution they make to our way of life.
“All of us who enjoy the fruits of their labours should take the chance to show our support and say thank you.
“This will be my first Ekka as Agriculture Minister and I am looking forward to talking to individual producers and stakeholder groups at what is one of the world’s leading agricultural shows.”
Ms Donaldson said innovation was the theme of the Queensland Government’s contribution at this year’s Ekka. She said the Department of Agriculture will be giving away samples of some of the delicious foods it had helped to develop or enhance in recent years.
“There will be daily giveaways of Rubygem strawberries, Queen Garnet plum nectar and Daintree Estates chocolate at the DAF display on the upper level of the Royal International Convention Centre building,” Ms Donaldson said.
Staff from Biosecurity Queensland will also play an important role at the show, advising stock owners on livestock movement requirements and monitoring health and welfare standards.
The Ekka opens on Thursday and runs for 10 days.
Farmers protesting the Palaszczuk government’s draconian new vegetation management laws will meet in meet in Queens Park on George St at noon before marching on parliament house.
