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The “Honesty Box”
Richard and Anthony grew a good crop. They quickly learned that people were willing to drive for good tomatoes. With only a few plants in crude igloos where the car park now stands, they couldn’t keep up with the business that was naturally growing fast. So, they built the first greenhouse in 2004 (the one through the glass panels of the shop today). As more good tomatoes grew, so grew the reputation. After just a year, they needed to build a second greenhouse, in 2005, taking the farm up to 20,000 plants and two acres under cover.
Farmers Markets
Around the same time, farmers markets were taking off in the community. However, people could only buy fresh produce once a month. The brothers invited nearby farmers to set up their produce and other goodies next to the Ricardoes packing shed so people could enjoy a daily Farmers Market. This was so popular that groups of people hung around and needed further refreshments. The brothers made one cuppa and another… and soon they opened a full kitchen and cafe, now known as the beloved Cafe Red.
Jams and The Environment
Cafe Red offered farm-to-table meals cooked by the chef Bertha (whose recipe made Ricardoes known for the ‘worlds best scones’). Meanwhile, the brothers and their mate Eric wanted to use the produce that would otherwise go to waste. So with a 1970s stove in Eric’s granny-flat kitchen, the first Ricardoes jams and relishes were made – and they were bloody good.
These products (now highly-awarded throughout New South Wales) led to a product line of over 20 jams, soups, and relishes – and most proudly, a farm where nothing goes to waste! The solar panels, use of “good bugs” over pesticides, and intricate hydroponic systems, help keep the environment happy while keeping the community happy and well-fed. Happy communities lead to happy families, and well, the brothers saw a lot of them showing up.
Kids & Strawberries
In 2008, they built the first “U-Pick” strawberry shed to help keep up with all the kiddos coming to the farm…this turned into 4 strawberry sheds offering year-round, fully accessible picking for all ages. Everything at Ricardoes is made with the hope to bring the customer to the farm – not send the farm to the customer. This gives the people fresher, riper produce and a better price because of eliminated costs such as packaging, transport, and commissions. It also keeps the farmer on the land — hands in the dirt, growing food that makes a difference in the community they can see every day.
Still Family-Run
Ricardoes is still family-run. Find Anthony Sarks everday moving quickly between the sheds, Carole overseeing the cafe and shop with intention, and their son Anthony tending the many plants with care.
Alongside family, Ricardoes is supported by a small, loyal team and a community that knows the farm well — people who’ve grown up coming here, working here, or simply stopping by for good produce. It’s always growing…but it still feels like home. Come say g’day!