• PROJECT NAME
  • Facilitating the development of the Australian berry industries
  • PROJECT CODE
  • MT18020
  • DELIVERY PARTNER
  • Berries Australia Limited
  • PROJECT LEAD
  • Jen Rowling
    jenrowling@berries.net.au
    0448 322 389

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Beginning in 2019, this multi-industry investment is tasked with supporting Australian berry growers in adopting improved practices on-farm and keeping up to date with the latest industry news, information, resources and technologies. The project delivers a nationally coordinated but locally implemented program which employs several industry development officers who provide specialist skills and knowledge. The role of the industry development officer is a broad one, with all activities geared towards improving the circulation and uptake of information with the industry. Core communication channels that continue to be produced and maintained by the project include:

  • Quarterly magazine, Australian Berry Journal, with current and past editions available here
  • The industry’s monthly newsletter that has information tailored to each crop as well as the latest across-industry R&D news (you can sign up for The Burst here)
  • The Berries Australia website, with industry news, information and resources for growers
  • Fact sheets and case studies, as needed
  • Berry plant protection guides for each crop
  • Workshops across the country
  • Webinars for growers

PROJECT TIMELINE

  • OCT 2019

    Project Commenced

  • JAN 2021

    Mid-Term Review

    Industry development and communications project delivering on its promise despite COVID-19 challenges

    The Industry Development and Communications project (MT18020) for the Australian Berry Industry has reached the halfway point of its three-year term and feedback received from a recent mid-term evaluation indicates that it is delivering on its objectives despite significant challenges as a result of COVID-19.

    READ THE UPDATE ARTICLE HERE

  • SEP 2022

    Project Completed

The project team is lead by Rachel Mackenzie, Executive Director of Berries Australia Limited

The project is producing a quarterly industry publication – Australian Berry Journal – as one of several communication vehicles designed to enhance the sharing and adoption of R&D.

Another major communication vehicle is the montly e-newsletter entitled “The Burst” – subscription to this newsletter is available to any intersted parties

USEFUL LINKS

Berries Australia Limited is a joint venture between Australian Blueberry Growers’ Association (ABGA), Strawberries Australia Inc (SAI) and Raspberries and Blackberries Australia Incorporated (RABA). The initiative has resulted in a new proprietary company, limited by guarantee, and managed by a board of directors appointed by the shareholders (ABGA, SAI and RABA).

Berries Australia now represents the single biggest fresh produce line in our supermarkets and our combined value is more than $1 billion. The peak berry industry bodies (ABGA, RABA and SAI) still exist and each has two Directors on the Berries Australia Board, with Peter McPherson as the independent Chair.