Matt and Ben Abbott receive Reef Champion Award for organic banana production

Mena Creek growers Ben and Matt Abbott were awarded the 2022 Reef Pesticide Stewardship Champion Award earlier this month as part of the 2022 Reef Champion Awards, run by the Queensland Farmers' Federation (QFF) with support from Prince's Trust Australia, Australian and Queensland governments.

The brothers use no synthetic chemicals and maintain organic certification covering both their banana and papaya produce.

The Abbotts' decision to move to organic production was driven both by the desire to be more sustainable and to tap into the niche organic market.

The early years of conversion were tough as the land and soil adjusted to reduced chemical inputs.

The new style of farming also meant a complete change in mindset for those used to relying on chemical interventions.

Now though, the Abbotts said they feel the decisions they've made in regard to farm layout, plant health and practices have been well worthwhile.

They use natural solutions such as intensive deleafing and reduced plant density to integrate pest management and plant nutrition.

Weeds and grass are controlled through a unique slashing program combined with human-powered manual weed removal.

Farming without pesticides is not without its challenges, costing more in labour and machinery.

"Our farming practices today have been 40 plus years in the making and we would not be where we are today without the hard work our parents Robert and Jenny put in," Matt Abbott said.

"Farming has its fair share of challenges, but we love what we do and the team we do it with. This award is a credit to the hard work and dedication everyone has put in."

The Abbotts are constantly trialing new ways to improve farm management both for their own business and for the environment.

The Reef Champion Awards are an initiative of the Reef Alliance, with support from the Australian and Queensland governments.

Australian Banana Growers' Council chair Stephen Lowe congratulated the Abbott brothers and their teams on behalf of the industry.

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"Many banana growers have gone to great lengths to improve their practices on-farm and the Abbotts truly exemplify this," he said.

"They are highly regarded within our industry and much further afield. I hope they've found a moment in amongst the busyness of farming to reflect on this great achievement."

ABGC's strategy manager Michelle McKinlay said the award was well-deserved recognition of years of hard work.

"I would also thank the Abbotts for the countless hours they have given back to industry, through participating in projects, speaking at events like congress, putting their hands up to trial new ideas and generally being incredibly approachable and generous with their experience," Ms McKinlay said.

QFF chief executive officer Jo Sheppard congratulated all the Reef Champion Awards winners and finalists.

"Critical to the success of these voluntary programs and actions is the strong partnership with the Australian and Queensland governments," Ms Sheppard said.

"It is only through working together that we can achieve mutually beneficial outcomes that will underpin a sustainable future for farmers, a globally competitive future for food security, stronger regional communities and good environmental outcomes."

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