Number 27 Map 1 Hawkesbury Harvest Farm Gate Trail Map
I meet Joe and Vicki Sultana and their daughter Antoinette on a sunny winter's day in Wilberforce. I knew from Antoinette that Joe and Vicki had only just returned from holidays so I asked Joe how it had gone.
"We went to LA," he said "and studied how farmers near there produce their crops."
It is typical for this hardworking couple that even on holiday they are still thinking about their farm!
The farm comprises 8 hectares of land situated at Wilberforce near Windsor. Winter crops are thriving and include cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, leeks, celery and daikon radishes.
Also growing are broadbeans, fennel,kohlrabi and lettuces. Pumpkins are grown too although now are at the end of their season and in summer the Sultanas grow capsicum, eggplant, gherkins and melons.
The Sultanas have six children ranging in age from nineteen to seven years of age and have owned their farm for 17 years. Their parents on both sides were also farmers. Like other producers I have met on the Farm Gate Trail they are encouraging their kids to do work outside the farm so that if they choose to come back to the farm they are truly keen to be there. The hours are of course very long - in winter the couple work from 6.00 am to 8 or 9.00pm daily and in summer the days are even longer -often finishing at midnight.
The farm is open to the public on Saturdays from 9.00am to 3.00pm and at other times by appointment. Not only can people purchase incredibly fresh vegetables but they can also have a cup of tea or coffee and a light meal at the Cafe on the farm.
The Hawkesbury Vegetable Farm
135 Carrs Road
Wilberforce NSW 2756
02 4576 3529
Please visit the Hawkesbury Harvest website.
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