QUEENSLAND produce is being showcased through an eat local campaign and well known producers are being promoted through the initiative.
The #eatqld campaign was launched to promote Queensland's top-quality produce in a bid to support the state's farmers and the jobs that rely on agriculture.
The Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre has joined the initiative to build on their reputation of serving the best local seasonal produce.
Agriculture Minister Mark Furner said BCEC was the prefect fit, sourcing 80 per cent of its produce from Queensland including 100 per cent of its chicken, 90 per cent of its beef and 80 per cent of its vegetables.
"The centre sources produce from the Far North of Queensland, west to Mitchell, east to the Fraser Coast and south to the New South Wales border," Mr Furner said.
In any given year, the centre dishes up an astonishing 30,260kg of Mt Cotton chicken, 14,064kg of Coral Coast barramundi, 1835kg of Toowoomba beef and another 282kg of Darling Downs Waygu.
Fresh vegetables and herbs are also on the menu, with caterers going through 8886kg of Atherton potatoes, 7580kg of Scenic Rim carrots and 1402kg of Caboolture herbs including parsley, coriander and mint.
Mr Furner said the #eatqld partnership with the BCEC would help spread the word about the safe and nutritious produce from Queensland's vibrant and robust agriculture sector.
"The BCEC's entire food philosophy is built around the culture and practices of sourcing and showcasing Queensland seasonal produce to customers and guests," Mr Furner said.
BCEC general manager Bob O'Keeffe said the centre was proud support the state's finest producers and local growers.
"We feature Queensland produce as the hero product of our menus, giving assurance to customers and clients of a uniquely authentic taste of local cuisine," Mr O'Keeffe said.
It comes as five new #eatqld champions were awarded to recognise their standing in the agricultural sector.
"These latest #eatqld champions represent an a la carte menu of producers and retailers covering all of Queensland from the border to Cairns," Mr Furner said.
AgForce cattle president and fourth generation Caliope cattle farmer Will Wilson was selected for his passionate advocacy for Queensland's beef cattle industry.
Mr Wilson said being an #eatqld champion was a wonderful opportunity to further promote the Queensland beef industry.
"Queensland beef producers have a wonderful story to tell and it's a story that simply hasn't been told well enough in the past," Mr Wilson said.
"Our producers are committed to creating and managing opportunities that generate both economic and material benefits, not just for themselves, but for the wider community.
"I struggle to see anything but opportunity in a post-COVID world for Queensland's world-class beef industry."
Gympie based export beef processor Terry Nolan of Nolan Meats was named for his 60 years of service to the beef industry.
Terry Nolan said the #eatqld champion award recognised a family tradition of meat processing and retailing that began in 1958.
"I am one small part in our family business that was formed by my father Pat and late mother Marie and the load is now shared with my brothers Michael and Terry," Mr Nolan said.
"Nolan Meats' fundamental principle is to take every opportunity to be innovative and to promote the benefits of Queensland grown beef and produce.
"To be named an #eatqld champion fits perfectly with that principle, and I am humbled that our family business has received this recognition."
Sixth generation Scenic Rim dairy farmer and agritourism advocate Kay Tommerup was chosen for her entrepreneurial attitude and dedication to promoting the value of the farming industry.
Ms Tommerup said she was proud to be part of the Queensland farming industry and was honoured to receive the award.
"It's encouragement for us as farmers and our whole industry to feel proud of what we are doing," Ms Tommerup said.
"We, along with many others, have definitely faced some challenges over the past few years with drought, bushfires and now the impacts of COVID-19 but we are resilient.
"We are so proud of our farming history, which dates back to the 1880s through my husband's family, and we love sharing it whether it's through our dairy and pork products, our on-farm events or our farm-stay."
Queensland Seafood Marketers Association president Marshall Betzel was selected for his 30 years of service to the seafood industry.
Mr Betzel said the real champions of Queensland seafood were the Queensland consumers.
"It has been incredible to witness the support of our industry by Queenslanders in choosing Queensland seafood to purchase and prepare at home throughout the COVID lockdown, it's Queensland at its best," Mr Betzel said.
"While it has been a career lasting passion of mine, championing such quality produce as Queensland seafood is easy when you know it comes from a sustainable resource that everyone enjoys.
"Queensland seafood is a truly wonderful story and I must also thank my industry colleagues and members for the effort they make in catching, growing, processing and marketing such quality produce for the Queensland seafood consumers."
Les and Lyn Apps, owners of Sunshine Coast export business Fraser Isle Spanner Crabs, were selected as the world's largest spanner crab exporters.
Mr Apps said the #eatqld champion award aligned perfectly with the company's commitment to ensuring that all aspects of the fishery are promoting excellence.
"Our company philosophy is that everyone involved in the spanner crab fishery supply chain, from deckhand through to processing worker, are fairly rewarded for their work so that only the best quality crab is caught and sold under the Fraser Isle Spanner Crab brand," Mr Apps said.
"By integrating sustainable business and environmental practices, we are working to ensure that the world can enjoy the distinctive and delicious flavours of Fraser Isle Spanner Crab for many years to come."
Mr Furner said everyone could do their bit to support Queensland producers by stocking up on Queensland-produced meat, seafood, fruit, nuts and vegies.
"The agriculture and fisheries sector contributes significantly to Queensland's economy, with more than 88 per cent of the state used for agricultural production and tens of thousands of Queenslanders employed", Mr Furner said.
