Berries

Raspberries and Blackberries Australia represent the biosecurity interests of rubus growers (including raspberries blackberries) and the industry.  They are members of Plant Health Australia and signatories to the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed and are involved in:

• biosecurity planning and implementation at the national and farm levels
• liaising with federal and state governments on trade issues
• funding and supporting biosecurity initiatives
• participating in national committees and response efforts in an emergency.

Industry overview

In 2017–18, the rubus industry was valued at $176 million (LVP), with fresh exports valued at less than $100,000.
Raspberry, blackberry and hybrid brambles (including silvanberries, boysenberries, loganberries, youngberries and marionberries) are collectively referred to as rubus or cane berries. Raspberries are the most popular accounting for 85 per cent of fresh production, followed by blackberries at 14 per cent and other hybrid brambles consisting of one per cent fresh production.

While most raspberries, blackberries and brambleberries produced are consumed locally, berries are also exported to Singapore, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia and Pacific Island countries. There is approximately 700 hectares of land under cultivation with rubus varieties: production is largely under protected cropping (white plastic tunnels) to protect from wind and rain. New plantings continue in response to increasing demand from consumers. Production is expanding in newer areas such as Gin Gin, north of Perth in WA, and Stanthorpe, south-east of Brisbane.

Traditionally rubus are a cool temperate crop with peak production in early summer to autumn. However, year-round supply is possible from subtropical NSW and south-east Queensland production sites where harvest occurs late autumn to spring. Hydroponic systems, new low-chill rubus varieties and production methods to simulate winter extend the harvest season and productivity.