Ben Martin, Family Farm Reaches New Heights

Mangoes were always in Ben Martin’s blood, so it was no surprise that Marto’s Mangoes has skyrocketed to be a big name in the industry.

However, it wasn’t always set in stone, with Ben pursuing an electrical apprenticeship after Year 12, before working in the mines for a few years, then returning to the small family mango farm, and growing the family business.

“My parents started the mango farm in 1990, and it started very small, with only 4,500 trees on the original 20 acres,” Ben explained.

Over the next 30 years, they have purchased a number of other properties and have expanded their operations.  

One particular block, a neighbour came to them and asked to buy them out.

“Dad and I said yes, and Mum said no, so we bought it and called it ‘Mum’s block’!”

Now with around 30,000 trees, the farm continues to grow, with every member of the family is helping with the business.

Being a family business that believes in supporting the local community, Marto’s Mangoes are actively involved in the community.

They sponsor a number of sporting clubs in Bowen and are the Gold sponsor of the Bowen Seagulls Junior Rugby League Club.  

Ben believes that you need to give back to the community that has given him and his family so much.

They are also actively involved in the industry as well.  

Ben is the Chairman of the Australian Mango Industry Association, vice-president of the Bowen Gumlu Growers Association, as well as a director of Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers.  

“All too often you see people sitting there and complaining about the industry, when the only way to see change is to get involved and actually do it,” said Ben when asked about his industry positions.  

“They take a lot of time and effort but can be really rewarding at times”.

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Ben, Ash-lei, Bernadette, and Gary Martin. Photo supplied