The State Government is encouraging Queenslanders to keep healthy and help create jobs by making the most of top-quality Queensland produce.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said the Palaszczuk Government's #eatqld campaign would showcase a world of flavour from the state of delicious.
"Produce from Queensland's vibrant and robust agriculture sector enjoys a well-earned global reputation as safe and nutritious and is synonymous with our lifestyle," Mr Furner said.
"From ham off-the-bone from a pig produced at Gympie to a sizzling steak from cattle produced at Taroom, succulent Gulf prawns, Lockyer Valley vegies, juicy Bowen mangoes, Sunshine Coast pineapples and watermelons from Chinchilla, Queensland is simply dripping with tasty and healthy menu options.
"There is always plenty in Queensland so whatever the occasion, whether you are catering for a family feast or buying for a restaurant, I encourage you to choose from the many locally-grown options to eat Queensland.
"And when you enjoy a great bit of Queensland produce, snap it, share it and use the hashtag #eatqld ".
Mr Furner said Queenslanders who chose to #eatqld would give the state's primary producers a much-needed boost after a difficult year.
"Unfortunately, many of our hard-working producers were hit hard last year by drought, bushfires, storms and contaminations, and more recently floods" he said.
"We can support our producers by stocking up on Queensland-produced meat, seafood, fruit, nuts and vegies.
"Eating Queensland produce supports creating jobs in a strong Queensland economy and keeps Queenslanders healthy."
Mr Furner said the Government had already partnered with Woolworths, Clubs Queensland, Eat Street Northshore and the RNA to make sure the #eatqld message was on everyone's menu.
"I congratulate Woolworths, Clubs Queensland, Eat Street Northshore and the RNA for leading the way in their support for the #eatqld campaign and encourage other Queensland business to get on-board with this fabulous initiative," Mr Furner said.
Woolworths Queensland General Manager Matthew Franich said the supermarket would be supporting the campaign by putting a spotlight on great local produce via their Fresh Food Kids Discovery Tour program.
"We're proud to offer our customers great Queensland produce. Equally important is educating the next generation around the benefits of eating fresh fruit and vegetables," Mr Franich said
"In the past few months more than 25,000 Queensland school students have taken part in our Fresh Food Kids Discovery Tours in our stores.
"To support the #eatqld campaign we will be adding a further local flavour to the program from term two, with our teams highlighting to students the Queensland regions where various fruit and veg comes from as they take part in the tours."
Clubs Queensland Communications and Government Relations Manager Laura Bos said supporting the #eatqld campaign was simply a matter of common sense.
"Queensland grown produce already dominates the menus of many of our members who recognise its taste and health advantages," Ms Bos said.
"Getting behind the #eatqld campaign further underlines our support for Queensland's agriculture industry, and we will be encouraging our member clubs to take part.
"Our members pride themselves on serving great food, and they couldn't do this without the best produce Queensland can grow."
RNA Chief Executive Brendan Christou said since 1876, the Ekka had proudly celebrated and championed the essential role agriculture plays in the everyday lives of Queenslanders.
"We are very proud to be part of this fantastic campaign and encourage everyone to give our farmers and the bush a much-needed boost by choosing Queensland produce first,'' he said.
"It's vitally important the community supports our farming families who are producing the best food in the world right here on our doorstep.
Eat Street Northshore co-owner and founder Mrs Peter Hackworth said "I believe every Queenslander should support our Queensland farmers who most times do it very tough".
"I have been a strong supporter of Queensland farmers and growers for over 60 years in my restaurants and markets and urge everyone to make sure they put Queensland produce on the top of their shopping lists.
"I am very proud that Eat Street Northshore is 100% behind the #eatqld campaign and Queensland's agriculture industry and I would encourage all businesses and consumers to join us in this very important cause."
Mr Furner said the agriculture and fisheries sector was a significant contributor to the Queensland economy, with more than 88 per cent of the state used for agricultural production.
"Forecasts show that Queensland's primary industry output is expected to reach $18.54 billion in 2018–19, employing more than 300,000 people.
"This is why I want everyone to #eatqld and enjoy a world of flavour from the state of delicious."
