PASSION, PRODUCE AND ORGANICS: THE VISION OF PLANTED PASSION FARM

In the Southern Forests region, Planted Passion Farm is making its mark through dedication, innovation and a genuine love for growing great organic produce. Located in Manjimup, this operation is led by Neil Miles, a passionate grower who’s been turning soil and cultivating quality crops for over a decade. Neil’s journey in the region spans six years and two months, but his broader experience in agriculture stretches to almost 13 years, reflecting a deep commitment to farming that is both thoughtful and forward-looking.

Neil Miles of Planted Passion

Neil Miles of Planted Passion

Planted Passion Farm is rooted in organic and natural farming practices, operating across a 10-acre property and a larger 100-acre block based in Manjimup. Neil cultivates a diverse array of vegetables that delight the eye and the palate alike. From red round and roma tomatoes to vibrant green and red blocky capsicums, Lebanese cucumbers, eggplants, and a selection of root vegetables like red beetroot, the farm is a cornucopia of fresh, organic produce. Leafy greens including kale, silverbeet and Cos lettuce, as well as stringless beans, broccoli, broccolini, cauliflower, cabbage in both red and green, and crisp celery complete the impressive variety. 

Neil is fiercely passionate about the quality and consistency of his produce. He’s on a mission to reset the standards of agricultural business in Western Australia by challenging traditional supply chains. His approach is to reduce the number of middlemen and maintain a focus on certified organic and sustainable farming practices. This means that every vegetable that leaves Planted Passion Farm meets a high bar for taste and overall consumer satisfaction. Neil also champions the local economy, continually investing in greenhouses and infrastructure to support year-round production. His vision is to provide fresh, locally grown produce for all 12 months of the year. 

What makes this farm particularly remarkable is the balance Neil strikes between tradition and technology. He produces his own seedlings, manages fertiliser importation tailored to his needs, and oversees both greenhouse and outdoor cultivation. Certified organic farming demands rigorous soil improvement, mechanical weed control, plant training, and careful management of plant health processes Neil runs with precision and pride. Harvesting and packing are also handled on-site to ensure quality is maintained from seed to market. 

The Southern Forests region is more than just a farming location to Neil and his son Fletcher, it is home. He chose this area specifically for its outstanding potential, citing its unmatched soil quality, climate, and water resources as key reasons it is the best growing region in the state. Neil appreciates the vibrant community and opportunities within the region, hopeful that the area will continue to expand in production, tourism and more. Being part of the Genuinely Southern Forests brand resonates strongly with him, representing a collective identity that reflects diverse industries and a connected community.

The early mornings on the farm hold a special place in Neil’s heart. He describes moments walking through the greenhouses or fields, watching the light shine through the colourful produce at various stages of growth as his favourite experience. This connection to the land and the cycle of growth fuels his passion for farming and his belief that you should only do something if you truly love it.

Neil’s farming journey has seen some major milestones. After purchasing two farms within 18 months in the Southern Forests, he established a fertiliser import business to support other local farmers and finance his own agricultural ventures. Committed to sustainable practices, he achieved certified organic status across both properties and invested in advanced machinery and infrastructure, including fixed in-ground irrigation, solar pumps, mechanical weeders, and automated fertiliser spreaders, to build a commercial-scale operation focused on efficiency and environmental stewardship. Neil has also diversified his farm by introducing a small pure-bred herd of Angus cattle. A key part of his approach has been restructuring his farming enterprises and fertiliser business to better balance work commitments with family life, especially spending quality time with his young son, Fletcher, who is already dreaming of following in his father’s footsteps.

Planted Passion

Planted Passion

Planted Passion

Neil believes strongly in reconnecting consumers with the source of their food whether through social media, agri-tourism and events, he sees the opportunity for farmers to share their stories, achievements and milestones directly with the public. This connection not only educates consumers about the hard work behind their fresh produce but also fosters a deeper appreciation for quality and provenance.

Planted Passion Farm embodies a modern vision of farming grounded in passion, quality and community support. Neil Miles’ commitment to organic principles, ongoing innovation and local connections ensures the business will continue to grow and thrive, helping to position the Southern Forests as one of Western Australia’s premier regions for fresh, wholesome food.

Currently, Planted Passion’s certified organic produce can be found through various retail outlets and markets. Neil supplies Maus Organics, a certified organic retail business that operates farmers markets and fruit and vegetable box deliveries in Perth, with plans to expand into additional outlets in the near future.

As peak harvest approaches, Neil is exploring the creation of certified organic produce boxes to meet growing customer demand across the Southern Forests and the wider South West. To stay up to date with the latest news, seasonal produce, and future box availability, follow Planted Passion Farm on social media or visit their website for more information and ordering details.

Photography Credit: Craig Kinder Photography