Fresh thinking for your farm: explore the Spring 2026 edition of the Australian Berry Journal

What will help your berry business thrive this season? Better production decisions, stronger consumer connections and a clearer understanding of the challenges ahead all feature in the Spring 2026 Australian Berry Journal. The edition brings together practical advice, research updates and industry stories to help growers look beyond the workload and explore what could make a difference on their farm.

Our international feature takes readers behind the scenes at BerryWorld’s breeding partner, Edward Vinson Ltd., in the UK. Jane Richter explores how flavour, genetics, grower partnerships and consumer insight work together to build demand. The message for Australian growers is clear: successful varieties need to deliver in the field, through the supply chain and when someone takes that first bite. Consistently good eating experiences give shoppers a reason to buy again.

Closer to home, the Berry Basket marketing update explains how Fresh Aussie Berries is working to earn consumers’ attention in a crowded social media landscape. Authentic grower stories, engaging video and a collaboration with The Veggie Scientist bring the people and science behind berries into focus, connecting seasonal abundance with everyday enjoyment and value.

Pollination is another essential read. Beyond the Hive examines what Varroa could mean for berry businesses and why pollination deserves the same planning as other critical crop inputs. With different implications for blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries, the article encourages growers to understand their crops’ needs, build relationships with beekeepers and support a wider range of pollinators.

For growers weighing up substrate costs and waste, the final Tasmanian report from the coir reuse trials offers an assessment of fresh coir, reuse and mixes. Fresh coir remained the strongest economic benchmark under the trial assumptions, while mixes showed potential under changing cost conditions. The practical lesson is to understand drainage, aeration and irrigation requirements before making changes, and start with small comparisons on your farm.

There is also plenty to challenge assumptions about crop management. Tasmanian raspberry trials found that adding mixed flowering strips did not automatically improve pest control, highlighting the importance of understanding what limits beneficial insects. A disease spotlight examines Fusarium wilt in blackberries, while emerging research on blueberries explores how time spent in nursery plugs may influence root-crown disorder, with responses varying across varieties.

Strawberry readers can follow the journey from breeding priorities to new varieties, explore research into packaging coatings and consider early findings on beneficial microbes and fruit quality after heat stress. These articles balance potential opportunities with the need for further validation and sound production and handling practices.

Beyond the farm gate, discover how training in Vietnam is helping retailers protect Australian blueberry quality through better cold-chain management, handling and merchandising. And for learning alongside industry colleagues, explore the BerryPractical program and the opportunities ahead at BerryQuest International 2027.

Whether you are fine-tuning production, planning your next investment or looking for ideas, this edition offers plenty to take back to your business. Read the Spring 2026 Australian Berry Journal and discover the research, people and practical thinking helping shape the future of Australian berries.