Weston Farm near Brighton has been named the inaugural recipient of the Groundbreaker Award at the delicious. Harvey Norman Produce Awards, held in Sydney in August.

Richard Weston, who runs the farm with his wife Belinda, says the win for their smoked and hot paprika was an incredible honour. “Personally, it means a great deal for myself and Belinda in regards to many years of hard work,” said Richard. “It certainly has increased our sales online, which has been great. And it’s nice to be recognised and get a pat on the back at a national level.”

There’s no slowing down at the farm, either, as they look to expand their paprika production.

Tasmanian white asparagus season is also underway, before the farm moves into its cut-flower peonies.

Richard credits close relationships with chefs for helping refine the farm’s next moves, including a new unsmoked paprika he’s hoping to bring to market. “Quite often we’ll trial things and I’ll get samples to them and they’ll give feedback,” he said.

For those keen to see the operation up close, the farm’s West Hobart café, Pigeon Hole, has been its “shopfront” for 13 years, alongside open days, garden club visits and organised bus tours by arrangement.

Richard is also hoping to bring back ticketed peony open days after a hiatus. “We used to do it for a long time – that was a terrific day and people loved it,” he says. “We’ve just got ourselves fairly busy with other things. So watch this space!