Blueberry Code of Conduct

The Blueberry 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; and
• Provision of a safe working environment.

The Code enhances industry efforts to educate stakeholders and the community about the way the industry operates and importantly its commitment to recognising and voluntarily abiding by agreed industry standards and practices.

Good practice is usually about more than what is just legally required. If growers are to firstly review their practices and then to adopt what is considered to be good practice there needs to be an understanding and acceptance of what the consequences can be of poor practices. Adopting good practices in chemical use will result in good practice management of water use and soil conservation will result in controlling any runoff into creeks or other waterways. Growers should consider the consequences that can result in avoiding unnecessary conflict with regulators.

The Code has been developed by the Australian Blueberry Growers Association (ABGA) in consultation with the New South Wales Department of Primary Industry (DPI) –which has extensive experience working with the blueberry industry.

The ABGA strongly encourages all growers to demonstrate their commitment to meeting and complying with the standards as set out in this document.