BLUEBERRY growers have made moves to help future-proof their industry with the development of a Code of Conduct.
The code aims to address key land use and rapid industry growth challenges.
Member for the NSW electorate of Page, Kevin Hogan, said the Code would clearly define industry best practice to support a vital part of agriculture in NSW.
“Blueberry production is one of the largest agriculture industries in my electorate and is vital to the Northern Beaches and Clarence Valley’s economy, worth around $95 million in 2015-16,” Mr Hogan said.
“The code will address concerns around spray drift, land use near residential housing and employment issues to clearly define what is acceptable or good practice.
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“Every blueberry grower in Australia will receive a copy of the code to guide their day to day farm practices.”
But the code’s release has drawn criticism from citizen’s group, Berry Watch.
In a letter to a local newspaper, Berry Watch member and Coffs Harbour City Councillor, Dr Sally Townley said the launch of the Code gives the community no hope of seeing improvement in farming practices.
“The code's attempt to compile several documents into one has resulted in something, which is so simplistic it is useless,” Dr Townley wrote.
“Growing blueberries in a sustainable manner is a highly complex business; this industry does not need to be dumbed down, it needs to be smartened up.
“These businesses need a textbook, not a pamphlet and increased scrutiny and compliance within the industry, in particular management of chemical spray drift, excessive water extraction and soil erosion.
“The need for a Code of Conduct is a direct result of poor management practices by growers.”
She said it was a shame the association had not come up with something more prescriptive.
Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources David Littleproud said New South Wales industry was leading the way by creating a standard to support the growing industry nationally.
“If you had blueberries in your smoothie this morning chances are they came from New South Wales, which accounts for over 80 per cent of Aussie blueberries,” Minister Littleproud said.
Blueberry production in Coffs Harbour (Grafton Region) was worth over $200 million in 2015-16, representing 81 per cent of the NSW blueberry crop.
Australia currently exports blueberries to over 25 countries. In 2016, exports were valued at $8.9 million.
