Coal River Farm delivers the taste of things too yum

WHAT was once a weed-ridden field in Richmond has been transformed into an inviting provedore.

Owners Melanie and Daniel Leesong with farm made chocolate and hazelnut praline and freshly baked bread. The $7 million Coal River Farm officially opens today.

WHAT was once a weed-ridden field in Richmond has finally been transformed into an inviting provedore offering the best of the Coal River Valley region.

Stage one of the $8 million hands-on farm tourism experience Coal River Farm will be opened by Premier Will Hodgman this afternoon.

The brainchild of leading Tasmanian tourism and hospitality players Daniel and Melanie Leesong, Coal River Farm is on the western side of Richmond Rd and taps into a growing tourist demand for authentic paddock-to-plate experiences.

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Visitors can watch the on-site production of sweet treats by resident chocolatier Christopher Smith, grab breakfast or lunch in the cafe and from next week, check out the first batch of cheese made by artisan cheesemaker Steven Arme.

By the middle of spring, the pick-your-own berry farm should be in full swing.

Mrs Leesong said the farm philosophy was based on growing and making as much as possible on-site.

“Those who visit can see the cheese and chocolate being made daily, enjoy free tastings, visit our pigs and chickens and pick their own produce when it is in season,” she said.

“Free tastings are available and we welcome people from all walks of life including young families who we hope will get a lot out of seeing how food is made and where it comes from.”

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Aimed at capturing the state’s growing Asian tourist market, the project attracted investment from businessman Cai Yu from China’s Sichuan province who will spruik the farm experience to international visitors.

Mrs Leesong said there would be a number of new products rolled out over the next few weeks.

“Whenever someone visits us there will be something different, seasonal and unique to try,” she said. “We like to view the farm as an extension of our living room and hope that people will enjoy the region as much as we do.”