Blueberries are the fastest growing fresh produce category globally and are recognised by consumers as an important part of maintaining a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
The Australian Blueberry industry has a large number of growers ranging in size from small farms to large multi-site agribusinesses. Blueberries are grown in New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia enabling year-round production and supply to consumers, although there are significant peaks and troughs in supply resulting in large fluctuations in price across the year, as with most fruit products. The industry continues to grow rapidly and is well regarded both by the domestic horticultural sector and the blueberry industry globally.
The Australian Blueberry Growers Association (ABGA) is a non-profit, incorporated association which represents all members nationally and aims to foster the continued innovation and development of skills to the advantage of all growers.
The ABGA has recently launched a new initiative called The Blueberry Code of Conduct, developed by ABGA in conjunction with the leading agricultural state body – the NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI).
This Code of Conduct (the Code) is intended to promote good practice blueberry operations across Australia, with a particular emphasis on the following:
- Sustainable farming practices as they relate to the use of land and natural resources, including minimising environmental and amenity impacts on immediate and surrounding areas
- Responsible application and safe use of materials (including chemicals) used in the growing and harvesting of blueberries
- Ethical sourcing and engagement of labour inputs
- Provision of a safe working environment
