delicious. Produce Awards winners revealed

Queensland farmers and producers have proved among the best in the nation, scoring top gongs in the coveted delicious. awards.

Queensland producers have proven they’re the cream of the crop, winning a feast of awards at the annual delicious. Produce Awards.

The national gongs recognise the best farmers, growers, catchers and artisan creators in the country, celebrating those who produce everything from cobia and carrots to cheese and ice cream.

Family run The Falls Farm at Mapleton on the Sunshine Coast took out the coveted From the Earth category in Wednesday night’s awards, recognised for their incredible regenerative, small-plot farming, which grows well in excess of 80 types of fruit and veg including cauliflower, cabbage, kale, carrots, lemons, apples, pears, plus herbs and more.

Ben Johnston, Christine Ballinger and Jess Huddart at their award-winning The Falls Farm in Mapleton. Picture: Lachie Millard

“It’s very exciting,” said co-owner Jess Huddart, with the farm supplying some of Queensland’s top restaurants including Brisbane favourites, Agnes, Elska, Restaurant Dan Arnold and Gerard’s Bistro.

“I feel like it really lifted morale and was recognition for all the hard work we put in.”

The awards are judged by some of the best chefs in the country, including Neil Perry, Kylie Kwong and Shannon Bennett.

“To get that feedback that we actually are doing something OK, was so supportive,” said fellow co-owner Christine Ballinger, who his up at 3am every day to tend to the farm.

The win comes on the back of a horrendous year for the family business, with three separate weather events wiping out multiple crops and infrastructure.

Also recognised in the delicious. Produce Awards was Gold Coast-based, indigenous non-alcoholic drinks manufacturer Sobah Beverages; while Moreton Bay fish farm Rocky Point Aquaculture won the night’s biggest award, Producer of the Year, for their top-notch cobia and giant grouper.

“Rocky Point Aquaculture impressed us with their world-class sustainability practices and the top quality produce that these practices are resulting in,” said judge Matt Moran.