Formed in 2018, Berries Australia is a berry industry body combining the Australian Blueberry Growers Association (ABGA), the Raspberry and Blackberries Association (RABA) and Strawberries Australia.
Rachel Mackenzie, who has departed her role as chief advocate at Queensland’s horticulture peak body, Growcom, has been appointed as executive officer commencing February this year. She takes over the role from Alex Smith who saw through the initiation of Berries Australia and has now moved on to pursue a new external role.
“Ms Mackenzie has shown herself to be a passionate supporter of growers through her sustained advocacy, including her tireless support for the strawberry industry during its challenges last year,” said chairman Peter McPherson.
“The berry industry is moving into a new phase and we are excited to bring in an experienced advocate to ensure the $1.1 billion industry can meet its full potential.
“We are focused on developing the berry category as a whole and are confident that Ms Mackenzie’s experience in representing the full breadth of horticulture production will be an asset,” he said.
Mackenzie has been a vocal supporter of the berry industry, especially during the strawberry industry’s food safety challenges in 2018.
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