Big wet on the north coast could see blueberry prices jump

Most of Australia’s blueberries are produced in the Coffs Harbour region and one grower has warned the big wet has put this season’s crop at risk.

The NSW north coast big wet is set to see a shortage of blueberries over winter, driving up prices on supermarket shelves, a grower in the region has warned.

Amanpreet Singh Lehl and his family have been farming for almost 30 years in Coffs Harbour – in a region which accounts for around 75 per cent of Australia’s blueberry production.

He says the wet weather of the past three months has significantly impacted blueberry plants in areas where the fruit is not grown under cover.

“It’s definitely the worst we’ve seen,” he said.

Blueberry production is at risk because of the big wet on the NSW north coast.

“All the wet weather we’ve experienced over the last three months, together with high humidity, has created fungal issues including blueberry rust which is decimating a lot of plants.

“I’d say around 80 per cent of the Coffs production is not grown under cover which offers protection.

“So the majority of that crop would definitely be under threat.

“I think we will see lower volumes on the shelves so you would expect some upward pressure on pricing – how much it might be remains to be seen.

“It’s still early days. The next six to eight weeks will probably tell the story on how serious the problem is.”

The Australian blueberries market was worth $825 million in 2024. Outside of Coffs Harbour, the next biggest producers are Queensland, Victoria and Tasmania, with fruit also imported from New Zealand.

Blueberry and banana farms dominate the Coffs Harbour landscape

“The plants can come back if the weather improves but it will still have a big impact on this year’s season for sure,” said Singh.

“We can expect a shortage in that July and September window. After that, some imports and more production out of Victoria and Tasmania could fill in some of the shortfall.”

While other areas in northern NSW have experienced catastrophic flooding, he said the issue for Coffs blueberry farmers was the impact climatic conditions have had on plants over several months.

“There might be the odd farm experiencing flooding, but it’s certainly not widespread,” he said.

“It’s more the wet weather itself that is causing problems … it’s just been constant rain. If the sun’s come out it’s been for no more than three or four days before it starts raining again.

“We’ve never really dried out the last few months.”

Originally published as Big wet on the north coast could see blueberry prices jump