First time was a charm for Yendon farmer John Elford, whose tomatoes were the pick of the bunch at the Paddock to Plate awards in Ballarat.
The awards, on April 2, pitted Victoria’s best fresh produce farmers against each other to weed out the champions.
Mr Elford’s Yendon Gourmet Tomatoes took first place in the Paddock to Plate Awards’ business over two years category.
He sells to local restaurants, farmers’ markets and the wholesale market from his 80-hectare property in Yendon, on which he also grows eggplants, cucumbers, basil and strawberries.
“What a thrill to pick up a Paddock To Plate award at the Rural Life Expo,” Mr Elford said.
“We love growing the best produce we can for our customers and to be recognised at an event like this is an honour. This was our first time in the competition and to put ourselves out there in this way and come away with a win is quite an honour.
“We couldn’t survive without our loyal customers, so thanks as always for your support.”
