This Sunday (June 6) is Queensland day, and as part Queenslanders are being encouraged to back the state on their plates and #eatqld.
The #eatqld program is a state government campaign that celebrates the sunshine states' best food and drink producers.
The goal of the program is to encourage the community to eat local, stay healthy and support jobs in the state's agricultural and hospitality sectors.
Since launching, a range of Queensland's best food producers have been recognised as #eatqld Champions for their contributions to producing the best food the sunshine state has to offer.
To celebrate the state's best producers, Kay Tommerup, a champion herself, hosted an #eatqld lunch on the Tommerup's sixth generation working dairy farm in Kerry.
The lunch, in partnership with QFF, showcased the very best in Queensland cuisine including; the Tommerup's Dairy Farm's artisan dairy products, Nolan's Meats, LiCK Ice Cream, Bee All Natural Honey, Clovely Estate wines, Summer Land Camels dairy products, Brisbane Valley Quail, Tamborine Mountain Distillery and Bundaberg Brewed Drinks
The menu was curated and prepared by renowned Queensland chef and #eatqld champion David Pugh.
QFF CEO Dr Georgina Davis said Queensland Day and #eatqld gives the state a chance to celebrate and recognise the producers who are integral Queensland's agricultural sector.
"Queensland Day is an opportunity to celebrate the state's culture, heritage, people, places and industry. We're encouraging people to shop locally and #eatqld this Sunday to support our agricultural sector," Dr Davis said.
"These #eatqld champions are not only amazing advocates for their own businesses but also for their regions and for the whole state.
"With so many farmers contending with challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising input costs and a protracted drought, there's never been a better time to stand with our farming communities and shop locally this Sunday and every day."
Kay Tommerup said that it's important for the agricultural industry to be involved and centre during the state's birthday.
"We are strong believers in working with other producers and businesses to help strengthen our agricultural industry, promote agritourism and educate Queenslanders on where their food comes from."
"The long lunch was not only a chance for #eatqld champions to come together on our farm and showcase their produce but to collaborate and network with other farmers," #eatqld champion Kay Tommerup said.
