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.
Value of production and distribution
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Annual value of rubus berry production, 2009–18

Distribution of rubus berry production by state and territory, 2017–18 (based on LVP)

Biosecurity plans, manuals and resources
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Biosecurity planning provides a mechanism for the rubus industry, government and other relevant stakeholders to assess current biosecurity practices and future biosecurity needs. Planning identifies procedures that can be put in place to reduce the chance of pests reaching our borders or minimise the impact if a pest incursion occurs.
The Biosecurity Plan for the Berry Sector outlines key threats to the industry, risk mitigation plans, identification and categorisation of exotic pests and contingency plans. For a copy, please contact PHA on 02 6215 7700 or email [email protected]
Pests
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Exotic pests (not in Australia)
The following is a list of high priority exotic pests of berries. These pests were identified during the development of the Biosecurity Plan for the Berry Sector in consultation with industry, government and scientists. They have been assessed as high priority pests based on their potential to enter, establish, and spread in Australia (eg environmental factors, host range, vectors) and the cost to industry of control measures.
PHA has a range of fact sheets, contingency plans and diagnostic protocols relevant to these pests. Pest risk review documents are also available for some pests. Please contact PHA on 02 6215 7700 or email [email protected] for more information.
Endorsed National Diagnostic Protocols are available from the National Plant Biosecurity Diagnostic Network webpage.
Other pests
The following is a list of documents for other exotic and endemic pests of berries. Please note that this is not a complete list of berry pests: rather it includes pests for which documents exist in the Pest Information Document Database.
Some of the documents presented here are not tailored to the berry industry and are included for information only.