Truffles’ national snaffle

The Braidwood epicurean food producer had also taken home the prize in the ‘Champion Australian Fresh Produce’ category.

Thirteen champion trophies were presented at an awards dinner hosted by the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria.

The Awards are a leading national program that acknowledge and reward excellence among the producers of premium food.

Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria chief executive Mark O’Sullivan said the AFA judging panel was in awe of the talent and high quality products that were entered.

“The calibre of entrants in this year’s AFA is why we at RASV are so passionate and committed to this world-class program,” Mr O’Sullivan said. “We are proud to recognise and reward home-grown Australian producers and provide opportunities for them to leverage their success … through AFA’s national brand seal of excellence.”

Terra Preta grow the twice award-winning French Black Truffles on their family farm in Braidwood.

Kate Marshall, who manages the business with her husband Peter, sons Keith and Gus, daughter Rita and Keith’s partner Zoe, attended the dinner with Gus as “we can’t all leave the farm at the one time”.

The dinner was held at the Melbourne Showground “in the MasterChef set, which was quite cool,” she said with a laugh.

“This was the first year they had fresh truffles as a category. When you win your [Champion Australian Fresh Produce] category, you send more produce and you’re judged again.

“We were sitting at our table when they called our name out. We were surprised and delighted.”

She expressed gratitude for her family’s hard work.

“It’s very much a family farm, a family effort, and every member is important,” she said.