EATING berries and cereal is a worthy start to the day, but the Chapmans in yonder Wandin East, Victoria, have made their passion a reason for living.
On 120 acres of exquisitely fertile land crouching in the Yarra Ranges, abutting The Dandenongs, Fairview Hill farm sits in grand repose.
What began as an idea became a reality 30 years ago, just after Naomi and Dean got hitched, while their two children, Aaron and Renee, are a fourth generation in the making.
Every corner of their acreage is covered by polytunnels, concealing a gorgeous range of blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries which top the popularity scale.
"Dean and I are driven to be successful and we think exactly alike," said Naomi.
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"I pretty well am a workaholic.
"It has to be done – whether on the tractor, just every possible job – where no task is too big or too small."
The pair are obviously passionate about their fruit and so are their offspring.
Imagine growing up with quad bikes, luxuriant surroundings, fresh air, yet being so close to the big smoke.
They all love the lifestyle, and have only been marginally affected by COVID–19.
The virus had constrained their U–Pick–your–own–berries, but it was more trouble than it was worth, having to employ more people to police the rules of COVID association.
Instead of people picking their berries, the farmgate is now open for business, with direct sales boosting their thriving enterprise.
While the majority of their produce is sold by licence to Driscoll Australia – it ends up in Woollies, Aldi, Coles, IGA and Costco.
"We love farming and enjoy people liking our fruit," Naomi said.
"We sell from the farm, but we also go to farmers' markets with our fruit."
Australian farmers have been growing berries for Driscoll's since 2010, in partnership with Costa.
The original Reiter–Driscoll families began planting in 1849 in southern California, developing breeds of berries, while licensing through approved growers, like Fairview Hill.
Fairview is also a member of the Australian Rubus Growers Association, a research body and rep for the industry.
Fairview Hill is highly visible at farmers' markets, keeping in constant touch with their many admirers.
You could not miss their super–bright marquee, nor their big and infectious smiles.
Social media also plays a large part in their marketing, with people wanting to know where the Chapmans' next market stall will be located.
The Fairview Hill berries team travel around Victoria and love meeting new people, sharing their delicious fresh fruit with the public.
"There are a lot of dodgy sellers who buy from other farms, portraying themselves as the farmer," said Naomi.
"Despite that, we have such a good following of loyal customers.
"Others don't have a farm door to buy from, either.
"The tourist trade is stronger now and mainly from Melbourne, and there are heaps of guests from overseas – and that is half the fun."
They have made their property child–friendly, and ensure that safety standards are maintained throughout their little piece of heaven.
The Chapmans employ their near–adult children, and a seasonal contractor who hires around 20 pickers and packers.
The site is quite busy with dozens of patrons and a flow of contractual employees in season.
When the November to April season ends, the Chapmans plant vegetables such as snow peas, capsicum and chilli for the winter markets.
More recently, Fairview has introduced sweet and sour cherries and lemons, but if you are quick, persimmons are still available till the end of May.
Scientists may be in awe of the five–thousand–year–old 'Iceman', Ӧtzi, discovered inside a thawing glacier in Austria, but most of us are familiar with the nutritional properties of the blue, red and black berries they found in his stomach, eaten, apparently, two hours before his death.
Not that Driscoll's or the Chapmans can claim Ӧtzi as their own, but it says a great deal about the berries' ancient value.
