The proposal for a new $3 million blueberry shed at Mountain Blue Orchards, Tabulam, in Upper Clarence, was unanimously approved by the Kyogle Council. The decision is said to signify the council's support for making Upple Clarence an agricultural hub.
Mountain Blue Orchards' marketing manager Natalie Bell says approval of a new packing shed at the family enterprise's Tabulam venture will improve blueberry quality and shelf life.
Mountain Blue Orchards is reveling in market success from its unique Eureka variety, developed by orchard founder Ridley Bell, who is widely regarded as the father of Australian blueberry genetics.
Last year 600 tonnes, including all varieties, came off the two farms which total just 122ha.
Industry prices range from $27/1.6kg tray to as much as $60/tray during low production.
This year production is expected to increase exponentially as bushes mature and Mr Bell’s daughter, Natalie, - the family company’s sales and marketing director - confirmed that between 500-600 seasonal pickers will be employed at the Tabulam farm during peak picking season between August and October.
For the last two years, since fruit started coming off the Tabulam enterprise, blueberries were trucked to Lindendale, an hour and a half to the east, and packed before being shipped.
The new shed on-site will make a big difference to fruit quality and its longevity.
“We are getting good consumer response to the berries but by picking them and straight away getting that field heat off and down to 0-2 degrees in the cool rooms the product will benefit.”
Mountain Blue sells most of its Eureka berries in local Australian supermarkets, says Ms Bell.
The Australian consumer still falls far behind those in the US for per capita consumption of blueberries, which say a lot about the potential of the Australian blueberry industry.
However, Mountain Blue also has its eyes on export markets - particularly Asia.
Source: goodfruitandvegetables.com.au
