This investment is identifying opportunities to improve labour use efficiency in the rubus industry through automation and improved management practices. At the project’s conclusion, a range of materials will be made available to growers that describe possible solutions appropriate for the Australian rubus industry.

As a first step, the research team will conduct stakeholder interviews, site visits, producer surveys and a ‘time and motion study’ to understand current management practices. This will assist them in identifying and prioritising opportunities around labour.

Then, a global technology scan will be conducted to explore potential solutions that could be implemented in Australia.