Brisbane-born Blair Limbert is a true durian enthusiast. He and his business partner Riley Hickson have started The Ripe Time, a farm in Far North Queensland which grows 50 species of tropical fruits including durian, cempedak, jackfruit and mangosteen. The pair has big dreams of promoting durian and other tropical fruits to Western markets worldwide.
“We intend to become the biggest durian and ultra tropical fruit growers on the planet. We currently have approximately 7,000 acres (2,833ha) of the best farm land in Far North Queensland under contract. We are currently in the process of getting ready to expand rapidly to the next phase,” Limbert says.
Most places in Australia are not suitable for growing tropical fruits. But there is one exception: Far North Queensland. By a stroke of luck, Limbert and Hickson managed to find a tropical fruit farm in the area that was well within their budget.
Sustainability is a major guiding principle for the duo, who use only natural techniques at The Ripe Time. Their fruit forests are carefully designed to maximize photosynthesis and enhance healthy plant growth.
Source: thestar.com.my