Emma-Louise Gibbons has been named an innovative leader in rural and regional communities with her nomination for the 2023 AgriFutures Rural Women’s award.
She is one of four Queensland finalists vying for the prestigious AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.
Based on the Sunshine Coast, Ms Gibbons received recognition for using Australian-farmed insect protein to sustainably produce a line of dog food and treats.
She said she was “absolutely thrilled“ to be recognised as a finalist for this award.
“Especially alongside the three 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 work 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 now operates her business Huds and Toke, which manufactures edible dog and horse products, in Coolum on the Sunshine Coast.
“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.“
AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award finalists receive $2000, while the State winner (announced on March 2) receives a $15,000 Westpac grant and represents Queensland at the national finals in September.
Other finalists for the award are:
Emma Black, Kingaroy, creator of a real-time analysis and insights software for livestock producers designed to generate certainty across the supply chain.
Kate Lamason, Cairns, whose vertically-integrated production model has brought tuna canning to Australian markets.
Louise Noble, Toowoomba, who is creating industry partnerships that upskill and connect disadvantaged job seekers to agricultural employment.
Minister for agricultural industry development and fisheries and minister for rural communities Mark Furner said the awards had a rich heritage of promoting the contribution Australian women make to rural industries, businesses and communities.
He said it inspired them to further develop their skills.
“Being nominated as a finalist represents due recognition for initiative and dedication, and I congratulate all of this year’s finalists and wish them well for the future.”
Mr Furner said another Queenslander, Leanne Kruss from Mareeba, had been named as one of seven national recipients of the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant.
“Leanne has been awarded a $7000 learning and development bursary for her innovative work to develop a sustainable, value-add paddock to podium Australian fibre apparel rental concept,” he said.
“The grant is a sister program to the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award and aims to foster the professional growth of women in rural and emerging industries, businesses and communities.”
AgriFutures Australia managing director John Harvey said it was fantastic to see the 2023 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award state finalists already making such a positive influence in their industries and communities with their initiatives.
“We’re excited to provide these women with a platform to build on their leadership skills to drive change in rural and regional Australia,” Mr Harvey said.
