This is a final research report from Hort Innovation’s historical archives. Please note that as these reports may date back as far as the 1990s, the content and recommendations within them may be superseded by more recent research.

What was it all about?

The project was established with the aim of facilitating the development of the growing blueberry industry and to build on, and consolidate, the outcomes of the previous industry development project. The project was supported by the peak industry body for blueberry growers in Australia, the Australian Blueberry Growers’ Association (ABGA).

The ABGA believed the role of an Industry Development Officer (IDO) is important to support current, and new, growers in a number of states to enable them, to maintain both profitable and sustainable businesses while helping the industry grow. Since this existing project began the Australian blueberry industry had more than doubled in size and it is expected to double again over the next 4 years.

The IDO project delivery principally targeted the strategies outlined in Objective 1 and Objective 2 of the 2009-2014 Strategic Investment Plan which aimed to enhance sustainable production systems, promote the implementation of management practices and maintain a strong industry. The Blueberry IDO and Communications Manager roles were two part time roles (both were located in northern NSW) and were funded positions for one day per week and 2 days per week, respectively.

The IDO and CM worked on a range of activities to assist in the implementation of the Strategic Investment Plan and the IDO work plan. These included regular industry communications and a range of technical activities/workshops, field days, conferences, a fruit sorting guide and an industry Code of Best Management Practice. Major outputs include Berryquest 2011 combined Blueberry and Strawberry industry conference in Queensland and the 2013 Berryquest which combined the strawberry, blueberry and raspberry industry conference in Victoria.