The Winter 2026 edition of the Australian Berry Journal is here, bringing growers the latest industry insights, research updates and practical information to support berry businesses across Australia.

In this issue, we look at the pressures and opportunities shaping the berry sector, from rising input costs, labour challenges and biosecurity threats, through to new technology, market development and consumer insights. You’ll hear from Berries Australia leadership on the broader economic settings affecting growers, including the 2026–27 Federal Budget, food security, export support, pest and weed funding, and the importance of keeping the berry category strong in a cost-conscious consumer environment.

This edition also takes a closer look at the latest progress from the industry development and communications project, MT22010. A mid-term review has found the project is delivering strong value to growers through extension, events, communications and regional support, while also highlighting the need to better measure practice change and long-term impact.

Growers will find practical articles across a wide range of topics, including why engaging in trials, surveys and monitoring projects can help industry shape better outcomes, how HortESG can help growers turn existing good practice into customer-ready reporting, and why mental health maintenance should be treated as seriously as machinery maintenance on farm.

Innovation features strongly in this edition. Read about PlasmaLeap’s eNFix system, which aims to generate nitrogen fertiliser on farm using air, water and electricity, and explore new technology supporting pollination through AgriSound and BeeSTAR. There is also an update on drone-based bird deterrence, with RoBird trials underway in strawberry crops to help reduce crop losses from problem birds.

Pollination is a major theme, with articles exploring varroa mite resistance, hive quality, pollination planning, and the potential for drone flies to support berry pollination. The Rubus feature looks at research showing drone flies can match bees in spring and outperform them in winter conditions, offering an exciting glimpse into future pollination options.

For strawberry growers, this issue includes updates on consumer confidence and supply chain temperature management, a back-to-basics guide on chill in strawberry plants, and insights from a high-tech greenhouse strawberry trial in South Australia.

Blueberry growers can read about the shift from blueberry rust containment to practical management in Tasmania, new research showing cold winters alone won’t stop blueberry rust, and export-related opportunities linked to the new Kunming wholesale fruit market in China.

From on-farm decision-making to biosecurity, pollination, export, sustainability and emerging technology, the Winter 2026 Australian Berry Journal is packed with information to keep growers informed, connected and ready for what comes next.