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 2015–16, the rubus industry was valued at $116 million (LVP).

Raspberry, blackberry and hybrid brambles (including silvanberries, boysenberries, loganberries, youngberries and marionberries) are collectively referred to as rubus or cane berries. There are currently over 700 hectares of land under cultivation with rubus varieties, much of it under protected cropping (rain shelters). New plantings continue, with the industry expanding in response to consumer demand. Production is also developing in new areas such as north of Perth, WA.

Peak production is early summer to autumn. Year round supply is possible with production in subtropical areas such as south east Queensland and the mid-north coast of NSW where harvest occurs late autumn to spring. The increased use of protected cropping and hydroponic systems also extends the harvest season and productivity.

Most of the raspberries, blackberries and brambleberries produced in Australia are consumed locally with little export of fresh fruit. Berries that are exported are sent to non-protocol markets such as Singapore and Hong Kong.

The rubus industry is covered by version 1.0 of the biosecurity plan for the rubus industry. RABA signed the EPPRD agreement in June 2015 and is consulting with growers on a proposal to establish a PHA Levy to fund membership and an EPPR Levy (set at zero).