THE largest field days in northern Australia officially opened in Mareeba today.
The 2019 Rotary FNQ Field Days kicked off at the Mareeba Rodeo Grounds to great fanfare with the three day event to continue until Friday.
There are over 500 exhibitors over 600 sites on display at this year's event.
State Agricultural Minister Mark Furner opened the event and said it was clear the Rotary FNQ Field Days had established itself as one of the premier meeting places for rural industry in the country, which was evidenced by the strong crowd on hand for day one.
"I'm very excited to be here today and when you have a look at the stalls that are on offer, you see the strength that is in agriculture in Far North Queensland," Mr Furner said.
"You really see the connection now from the plantation to the fruit being picked, and right through to the delivery of the supply chain, so it's extremely important that people come along to these events and get involved."
Rotary FNQ Field Days chair Ida Portella said she was impressed with the turn out on day one.
"When you look around at today's numbers, from Rotary's perspective we are very happy," Ms Portella said.
"It's pleasing to see visitors taking advantage of the new areas after the expansion of our site."
Ms Portella said she hoped to see the strong numbers continue on days two and three of the 2019 Rotary FNQ Field Days.