BOWEN mango farmer Ben Martin has been named Australia's young farmer of the year for 2019.
Mr Martin, who manages about 20,000 trees across he and his parent's North Queensland properties, is also the Australian Mango Industry Association chairman.
The 35-year-old was named the winner at a ceremony at Canberra's Parliament House, as part of the annual Kondinin Group and ABC Rural Australian Farmer of the Year Awards.
Kondinin Group general manager of research Ben White said Mr Martin was an enthusiastic young farmer with a vision for success and sustainability.
"At 35 years of age, Ben is incredibly active in industry associations, on-farm research and development and technology developments to assist growers in enriching their operations, all while running his own successful farm," Mr White said.
"As well as directly supplying Australia's major supermarket with fresh fruit through their Central Distribution Centres, Ben also markets his mangoes internationally and during the production window, supplies about 24 per cent of mango imports into New Zealand.
"His attention to on-farm operations and collaborative partnerships shows not only an outstanding on-farm focus, but an industry-wide commitment to sustainability which is highly commendable."
Mr Martin said he was honoured to win the award and be recognised for the work he does on-farm and for the industry.
"I have actively sought to expand the mango industry and improve productivity and environmental sustainability and have held discussions with government to expand export markets and look at best practice entry protocols," Mr Martin said.
"On-farm, my focus is on fruit quality and production efficiencies to supply both domestic and international markets.
"I also need to thank my family for all the work they've put in to making the business what it is today."
Mr Martin has designed a highly productive, efficient farm operation using planting configurations and adopting specific harvest aid machines and custom designed spray equipment, which will help to minimise labour inputs and maintain fruit quality during harvest operations.
AMIA CEO Robert Gray congratulated Mr Martin on his award.
"This award is testament to Ben's hard work and dedication to the Australian mango industry. He should be extremely proud of what he has achieved."
