After forming a jalapeno addiction from working in a Mexican restaurant in my youth, it seemed only natural to start growing them in the farm rich region we call “Hata-Gun” in Kochi Prefecture, Shikoku, where I have made my home since 1998. Inspired by the local farmers, blessed with ideal growing conditions next to the sea, and encouraged by our loyal customers, our farm now produces over one ton of chemical free Hatapeno peppers per season.

I’m also a keen surfer originally from the Gold Coast of Australia. I came to Kochi Prefecture chasing waves and decided to stay. In 2005 I opened a surf school called Hata Surf Dojo and the Hatapeno farm soon followed. The seasonal lifestyle of a surfer and farmer are quite similar. Constant learning through trial and error, lots of early mornings, very physical, constant weather checks but of course mixed feelings as a typhoon approaches!

I feel fortunate to be able to live in the naturally beautiful rural Hata area surrounded by mountains, rivers and ocean, amongst the friendly locals who share so much knowledge