Meerup Tea Estate, located in the Southern Forests region of Western Australia, is a 400-acre property where Ron and Maria Kemp, along with their daughters Juline, Ruth, and Dawn, cultivate some of the region’s finest green tea and avocados. Positioned near the impressive Meerup sand dunes in Northcliffe, this estate is a place where nature’s bounty is carefully nurtured.
The story of Meerup Tea Estate began long before the first tea plants were sown. Ron Kemp grew up on a farm on Kemp Road near Pemberton, where his family grew potatoes, milked cows, and tended to sheep. After gaining experience as an excavator operator, Ron and Maria purchased the property in Meerup. Initially, they focused on raising a herd of beef cattle, and later expanded their operations to include avocados. The decision to diversify further led them to add green tea to their portfolio, marking a significant shift in their farming journey and the inception of Southern Forest Green Tea.
The decision to venture into tea cultivation was driven by Maria’s fascination with the health benefits of green tea. Recognised for its potential to improve brain function, reduce cancer risk, protect against ageing, and support overall wellness, green tea became the focus of their new endeavour. With Ron’s practical approach and Maria’s enthusiasm, the couple took on the ambitious task of establishing a tea plantation on their Northcliffe property.
However, the transition from farming beef and avocados to cultivating tea was not just a financial decision. As Ron explains, “Farming beef and avocados was a pathway to financial security, whereas setting up the tea plantation and processing plant was driven by a passion to see Sencha green tea consumed by more Australians.” This passion was the driving force behind their willingness to take on the considerable challenges that lay ahead.
One of the most significant challenges was setting up the tea processing equipment. All the components were imported from Japan, and to add to the complexity, the instructions were entirely in Japanese. Setting up the machinery turned into a somewhat humorous yet arduous task, as the family exercised their patience to set up the processing equipment. The machinery’s successful installation was a major achievement for the farm, marking the beginning of their ability to produce high-quality Sencha green tea.
The process of growing and processing tea is both an art and a science. The Kemps are meticulous in their care of the tea plants, which are pruned, weeded, and watered with dedication. Harvesting is a delicate task—newly sprouted tea leaves, essential for quality Sencha green tea, must be gathered in dry conditions and processed within the hour to preserve their freshness. To put it into perspective, 90 kilograms of freshly harvested tea leaves result in just 15 kilograms of processed Sencha green tea. The precision required in this process speaks to the family’s commitment to excellence.
Running a farm of this calibre is no small feat, and time is always of the essence. As Dawn puts it, “There are 1440 minutes in a day, and we could do with a few more.” This sentiment captures the relentless pace of farm life, especially when balancing the demands of tea production with the cultivation of avocados and the management of their growing business.
Every step in the production process reflects the Kemps’ dedication to their craft. From importing specialised tea processing equipment from Japan to expanding their product line to include Matcha, Oolong, and Black tea, the family has continuously innovated to bring the best of their harvest to consumers. The introduction of biodegradable tea bags and the expansion of their online sales platform, led by Dawn, further demonstrates their commitment to both quality and sustainability.
The Southern Forests region plays an essential role in their success. The clean air, pure water, and rich soil of this isolated yet vibrant area create the perfect conditions for growing their tea. The region’s beauty, especially in spring when the landscape is alive with activity, serves as both a backdrop and inspiration for their work.
Sharing their tea with the local community and visitors to the Northcliffe area is one of the joys of living and working in the Southern Forests. Whether it’s through market stalls, local stockists, or their expanding online presence, the Kemp family takes pride in connecting with consumers and sharing the fruits of their labour.
Ron and Maria enjoy their Matcha, a fine green tea powder that’s perfect for a morning boost. For those looking to indulge, they recommend making Matcha chocolates—simply melt white chocolate, mix in Matcha powder, pour into moulds, and chill. Pair these treats with a cup of their award-winning Sencha green tea for a truly delightful experience.
Meerup Tea Estate’s products under the Southern Forest Green Tea label are available for purchase directly through their online store, ensuring that tea lovers across Australia can enjoy the Kemp family’s carefully crafted teas. Their products can also be found at various local outlets, including the Manjimup and Northcliffe Visitors Centres, Pemberton Post Office, Albany Health Foods, and Northcliffe General Store.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor to the Southern Forests, a cup of Southern Forest Green Tea offers a taste of the dedication and passion that drive the Kemp family’s operation. Indulge in the rich flavours and health benefits of their teas, and experience the unique charm of this remarkable region.
You can follow Southern Forest Green Tea on Facebook or view further information about their tea varieties via their website. Find their online store here.
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