Farmer in Focus – Yenda Strawberries & Figs

For Glenn Tanti, farming wasn’t always part of the plan. Originally from Malta, Glenn had a very different life before moving to Australia—working on oil rigs rather than in a field. But after a holiday to Australia in 2000, he was drawn here. He quickly fell in love with the country and decided he wanted to make Australia his home. However, it was not easy, it took seven long years to secure a visa, but in 2008, Glenn and his family finally made the move, settling in Griffith, NSW, where they had family.

With no farming experience, Glenn and his family—his father Michael, mother Connie, and wife Caroline—embarked on a new journey and took on the challenge of learning how to grow fruit and vegetables. Starting small with just five acres of land, they threw themselves into the world of agriculture, educating themselves about soil, crops, and sustainable farming practices. Through hard work and dedication, they have now expanded to 21 acres, specialising in chemical-free figs and strawberries.

Farming, however, has not come without its challenges. The past three years have been a hard time for Glenn with extreme weather conditions wreaking havoc on his crops. Storms and unpredictable weather completely wiped out entire summer strawberry harvests, but d these setbacks, Glenn’s passion for growing high-quality, chemical-free produce has only grown stronger.

For Glenn, the Market is much more than a place to sell his produce. It’s an opportunity to build lasting relationships with his customers, many of whom have become regulars over the years. He enjoys seeing familiar faces return season after season, chatting about how his figs and strawberries are grown, and even receiving photos of the dishes customers have made using his produce. It’s these connections that make the hard work worth it.

Glenn’s pride and passion are reflected in the care he takes in growing his figs and strawberries. These fruits are grown seasonally and outdoors in the paddocks, to bring out the best in their natural flavours. We asked Glenn how he likes to eat his figs, and he gave us two of his favourite recipes including:

• Fig & Rocket Pizza – A perfect balance of sweet and savoury, combining the sweetness of fresh figs with the peppery kick of rocket for a delicious pizza topping.
• Grilled Prosciutto-Wrapped Figs with Blue Cheese – A mouthwatering dish that brings together the rich creaminess of blue cheese, the saltiness of prosciutto, and the sweetness of fresh figs for an unforgettable flavour combination.

Next time you’re at the Market, stop by Yenda Strawberries & Figs to meet Glenn, hear his story, and experience the incredible flavour of his freshly grown produce. Support a farmer who truly puts his heart into everything he grows.