YUZU BEAUTY! FARMING WITH FLAVOUR AT WATERFIELD FARMS

East of Manjimup, where the cool climate and rich soils of the Southern Forests lend themselves to high-quality food production, Waterfield Farms is steadily carving a name for itself in Western Australia’s fresh produce scene. Spanning 256 hectares along Perup Road, this diverse operation is managed by Paul Edwards, who has worked on the land for over two decades and continues to build upon his long-held passion for growing fresh, high-quality produce.

Waterfield Farms is home to an impressive variety of fruit, vegetables, and livestock, including cauliflower, cabbage, pomegranates, sheep, and two standout favourites for Paul—dori gold kiwi fruit and yuzu. Under their consumer brand, Southern Forest Yuzu, Paul and his wife Tracy, have focused considerable energy on bringing the rare citrus fruit yuzu to market in Western Australia. “We planted our first yuzu trees in early 2021,” he shares. “The rarity of yuzu and how versatile they are is what drew me to them.”

Originally cultivated in East Asia and increasingly popular in Australian kitchens, yuzu is prized for its complex, aromatic citrus flavour. Its rising popularity in both the culinary and beverage industries is helping Southern Forest Yuzu capture the interest of chefs, food lovers, and drinks producers across the country. “We’re one of the first to grow yuzu in WA,” Paul explains, “and I love that they’re orchard-based and low maintenance compared to other crops.”

Growing yuzu in the Southern Forests comes with its own rhythm. The trees flower in October and are harvested in May and June, with some picked earlier in April to meet specific customer needs. Harvesting, however, is not for the faint-hearted. “Yuzu trees have big spike-like thorns on each branch and all over the tree, which makes it hard to harvest,” Paul says. Despite the challenge, the rewards of working with such a unique crop have proven worthwhile.

Southern Forest Yuzu is now producing anywhere from three to five tonnes of fruit per year. In addition to selling fresh fruit direct to market and direct to consumers, Paul has developed a line of bottled yuzu juice, which is available wholesale and through select retail channels. With its sharp, zesty profile, the juice is a hit with bartenders and chefs looking to elevate their creations with a punch of bright citrus. This value-added product is an important part of the brand’s strategy to reach a broader customer base and encourage experimentation with yuzu in home kitchens as well as commercial settings.

Diversification has always been part of Paul’s approach. While Waterfield Farms currently grows vegetables, gold kiwi, and pomegranates alongside yuzu, the operation has evolved over time. Lettuce and broccoli once featured in the crop plan, and a netted kiwi orchard is one of several innovations Paul has introduced to protect his fruit and improve growing conditions. One of his proudest achievements is the establishment of both the yuzu and gold kiwi orchards, now protected under hail-proof netting—a significant investment that supports quality and consistency.

Paul is clear about what drives him: “Quality and consumer satisfaction.” This commitment is reflected in every aspect of the business, from on-farm practices to the way produce is presented and sold. Whether it's a crisp head of cabbage or a bottle of fragrant yuzu juice, the attention to detail is evident.

Living and working in the Southern Forests plays a major role in shaping the character of Waterfield Farms and its produce. “I love living and working in this area,” Paul says. “The seasons can vary each year, really challenging us to grow our fruit and veg, but the quality is always there. This area is so unique—you can almost grow anything here in the South West.” The changing conditions provide both inspiration and motivation, pushing growers to adapt and innovate while consistently delivering high-calibre produce. For Paul, it’s this diversity and the region’s natural advantages that make it the best growing area in WA.

Spring and autumn are his favourite seasons in the region—transitional times that bring both beauty and a flurry of activity on the farm. “The produce grown here is second to none,” he reflects. “The quality and diversity is the best in WA.”

Brand recognition also plays a role in building connections with customers beyond the farm gate. The Genuinely Southern Forests brand, which represents producers throughout the region, is something Paul values. “The brand means a lot,” he says. “People from all over notice the brand, which showcases so much produce from this area.”

From his first plantings of yuzu just a few years ago to the multi-layered operation he now manages, Paul continues to grow Waterfield Farms with a clear sense of purpose. His appreciation for the Southern Forests is matched by a willingness to experiment, diversify, and meet the market with products that speak to quality and innovation.

Southern Forest Yuzu products are available direct to consumer, with fresh fruit available in season and bottled juice year round. To find out more or to place an order, visit Southern Forest Yuzu on social media or reach out directly to Waterfield Farms to experience this uniquely Southern Forests flavour for yourself: paul@waterfieldfarms.com.au