Industry guide to help local berry farmers navigate future disasters

LOCAL berry farmers launched a new industry-wide guide to support recovery efforts and strengthen resilience against future natural disasters, helping the sector remain a major economic driver in the region.

Growers from across the region gathered at Mountain Blue in Lindendale to launch the guide with representatives from Berries Australia.

The guide aims to help farmers adopt sustainable, responsible, and resilient practices in response to a changing climate.

Lismore MP Janelle Saffin said berry farming makes a significant economic contribution to the Northern NSW economy and is a major regional employer.

“The berry industry is a Northern NSW success story,” she said.

“The blueberry industry alone has increased in farm gate value from $25 million in 2005 to $507 million today, with around 80 per cent of blueberries grown locally.

“With growth comes greater expectations from consumers, regulators, and the broader community.

“This guide brings together the knowledge and experience of growers, industry leaders, and sustainability experts to outline what ‘good practice’ looks like in today’s berry industry.”

The initiative is funded by the state and federal governments under the Storm and Flood Industry Recovery Program which includes the $1 million Sector Recovery and Resilience Grant.

The guide covers practical steps across key areas such as site selection, agronomy, production systems, environmental management, labour practices, and community engagement.

It also provides a reference for researchers, policymakers, local government, and the broader community seeking to understand the industry’s sustainability efforts.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional Development Tara Moriarty said the guide would play an important role in long-term recovery.

“After facing repeated natural disasters, it’s inspiring to see the sector not only focused on recovery but committed to long-term resilience, a commitment strongly supported by the NSW Government,” she said.