Industry: Blueberries
Gross value of production |
$0.28 million |
Number of growers |
9 |
Number employed |
5 |
Seasonal Employment |
130 |
Current annual production |
45 tonnes |
1. Description of Product:
Blueberries for fresh fruit market. A small percentage of crop (10%) is used for processing. There are a number of blueberry varieties with different characteristics, although those grown in North East are reasonably similar.
2. Location of the Industry:
This industry is located primarily in the Ovens and King Valleys (8 growers) and also one grower at Corryong. All growers have on farm cool storage facilities to handle and store this product.
3. Employment and Labour Requirements:
a. Number of Producers:
This industry has low labour requirements and in every instance alternative farm activities, or off farm employment contribute to whole farm income.
b. Number Regularly Employed:
It is estimated that the labour requirements on an annual basis is 0-2 persons per acre.
c. Harvest Requirements:
At harvest, 4-8 weeks, 5-6 people are required per acre. The timing of harvest varies from farm to farm according to variety and local climatic factors.
4. Annual Production:
Total crop production of 40 tonnes for fresh fruit and 3-5 tonnes for frozen processed market from 10 ha.
5. Value of Product:
Pre-Christmas consumer demand for this product (as with other berry fruits) is very strong with prices of $10/kg. However, the post Christmas slump in consumer demand combined with an increase in supply causes prices to fall to $5/kg. Assuming an average price of $7/kg, the gross value of the crop to the region is $280,000.
6. Production Trends Over the Next Five Years:
a. Projected:
1. There is no anticipated net increase in acreage in the next 5 years. There has been a decline in the number of growers over the past 5 years, and there may be a further 1 or 2 growers exit the industry but otherwise numbers are stable, similarly production.
2. However, given the culture for eating blueberries in other parts of the world and the promotional impact of a Coffs Harbour producer which has stimulated market demand there may be opportunity for the quality product from North East to be marketed and promoted both locally and in Melbourne.
b. Potential:
The potential for growth in consumer demand, and for industry growth is related to:-
(a) Australia is importing blueberries to meet demand.
(b) Promotion of the product has not been fully explored given European and American culture for eating blueberries, and the freezing and handling convenience of the berry and children's obvious enjoyment of the product.
(c) The earning potential of a tourism based Pick Your Own facility and the further opportunities for value adding is very great.
(d) Blueberries are by nature a 'clean green' product and can be easily grown in this area, free of chemicals, insecticides, herbicides and fungicides.
(e) The $ return per acre for blueberries is very attractive.
(f) Because different varieties of blueberries have distinctive characteristics there is opportunity to market this unique distinctiveness as a matter of consumer taste.
Extracted from the Bright Report
