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 2016–17, 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 up to 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 in 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 (less than one per cent). Berries that are exported are sent to non-protocol markets such as Singapore and Hong Kong. In the year to June 2018, the majority of exports were to India and Fiji.
The rubus industry is covered by version 1.0 of the biosecurity plan for the rubus industry. RABA signed the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed agreement in June 2015 and is consulting with growers on a proposal to establish a PHA levy to fund membership and an Emergency Plant Pest Response levy (set at zero).
Value of production and distribution
Annual value of rubus berry production, 2009–17
Distribution of rubus berry production by state and territory, 2016–17 (based on LVP)
Biosecurity plans, manuals and resources
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 Industry Biosecurity Plan for the Rubus Industry 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]
