- PROJECT NAME
- Facilitating the development of the Australian berry industries
- PROJECT CODE
- MT22010
- DELIVERY PARTNER
- Berries Australia Limited
- PROJECT LEAD
- Jen Rowling
jenrowling@berries.net.au
0448 322 389
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
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. This project follows on from MT18020.
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 officers is a broad one, with all activities geared towards improving the circulation and uptake of information with the industry.
As well as extension activities, the project produces key communication channels for the berry industries, including:
- 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 newsletter here)
- The Berries Australia website, with industry news, information and resources for growers
- Fact sheets and case studies, as needed
- Development of best practice tools such as videos, as needed
- Workshops across the country
- Webinars for growers
PROJECT TIMELINE
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 proprietary company, limited by guarantee, and managed by a board of directors appointed by the shareholders (ABGA, SAI and RABA).
Berries Australia 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 Anthony Poiner as the independent Chair.
