A third generation cropping farmer has taken out the 2016 Charlie Nastasi Horticultural Farmer of the Year award.
Warren Jonsson, together with wife Gail and their three sons, has established a successful farming operation on the southern Tablelands and a paddock to plate business, Jonsson’s Farmers Market, at Stratford, Cairns.
He is a well-known potato and cropping grower and grazier.
Joe Moro, chairman of the Mareeba and District Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, which sponsors the award, said Mr Jonsson was very active in the horticulture industry.
“He is a very successful businessman, a horticultural grower and cattleman,” Mr Moro said.
“But what many people don’t know is what Warren does behind the scenes in the industry.
“He is very active on the export front and is passionate about a number of issues, most recently vegetation management.”
Mr Jonsson got the nod from a lineup of five quality candidates for the award, as nominated by peers.
Mr Moro said it was the longest deliberation in the award’s history.
The awards evening raised $20,000, with $13,000 going to the Mareeba Hospital Foundation, $3200 to the Relay for Life and $4000 to be retained by the association
