Emma-Louise Gibbons is a national finalist in The 2023 AgriFutures Queensland Rural Women of the Year Award, which recognises her contribution to Australia’s rural and emerging industries, businesses and communities.
She is one of seven “remarkable“ women vying for the principal award that empowers and celebrates the inclusive and courageous leadership of rural women across Australia.
The founder of Huds and Toke, Ms Gibbons is a trailblazing entrepreneur based in Coolum on the Sunshine Coast.
She received recognition for using Australian-farmed insect protein to sustainably produce a line of dog food and treats.
More widely, she aims to show consumers that there are choices that are healthy for their pets with alternative ingredients that produce both a lower carbon footprint and a reduction in waste.
Ms Gibbons said she was “absolutely thrilled“ to be recognised as a national finalist for this award.
“Especially alongside the six other amazing women. I’m very proud. It is such an honor to be able to represent women in this way and in our industries.
“Receiving this recognition really cements my drive to showcase what we as women can do in the agricultural and manufacturing industries.
“And, hopefully, I can be of some inspiration to other women in our industries to show that innovation – plus an amazing all-women team – can really create new markets and help producers to think outside the square with their commodities.“
Ms Gibbons said she helped Australian insect and vegetable farmers – who produced alternative proteins – to create premium, market-ready products.
She said the insect protein animal food was in its final stages of product development.
“Huds and Toke works with Australian producers and companies from the ground up,“ Ms Gibbons said.
“We understand we are the link for many of these agri-industries to be able to test the viability of these alternative proteins in market.
“And, we play an important role in this supply chain for agribusiness in Australia.“
Ms Gibbons was raised on a mixed farm at Grandchester in the Lockyer Valley but since 2012 has manufactured edible dog and horse products alongside husband Russell, children Arthur and Barkeley and 15 female employees.
“It has been a slow journey for us as we have done it all ourselves and learnt everything the hard way without outside investment,“ she said.
“Our whole goal has been to create world-class premium products using Australian-grown commodities.
“We have been, and continue to be, extremely innovative in our approach to creating products and building a well-known brand throughout Australia and the world.“
The seven national finalists vying for the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award were announced at events in their respective states and territories across Australia, after a highly competitive selection process.
Women from all over Australia were encouraged to apply with a project, business or program having a positive impact on rural and emerging industries, businesses and communities.
Each of the seven female leaders will receive a $15,000 Westpac grant to help boost, expand or elevate their work, with the national winner awarded an additional $20,000 Westpac grant and national runner-up, an additional $15,000.
AgriFutures Australia managing director John Harvey said he was impressed with the breadth of innovative projects that were submitted this year.
“2023 is an exciting year for the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award with our seven national finalists an outstanding representation of the impact female-led initiatives are having within their industries and communities.
“We’re delighted to be able to provide our winners with a platform to not only celebrate their achievements but also to build on their leadership skills to drive change in rural and regional Australia.“
