Berry clever sustainable, tech-savvy farming at Perfection Fresh
For more than 45 years, Perfection Fresh has pioneered fresh produce innovation, balancing traditional farming practices with cutting-edge technology to bring premium berries to consumers.
At our Bundaberg farm, farm manager Shaun Corbett oversees blueberry operations with a focus on sustainable, high-quality produce—a mission he drives with deep industry experience and technical expertise.
At Perfection Fresh’s Bundaberg site in Queensland, a former mango farm has been transformed into a flourishing blueberry orchard, with rows of plants protected by state-of-the-art tunnels that safeguard fruit quality.
The region’s warm climate and ample rainfall make it ideal for blueberry farming, while tunnels create a consistent environment to produce premium berries. “Bundaberg’s climate offers a fantastic growing season, and with the tunnels, we can protect the fruit to keep up our high quality,” Shaun shares.
To naturally support pollination, bee hives are positioned throughout the site, allowing bees to fly into the tunnels and naturally pollinate each plant. “Our bees do essential work,” Shaun notes.
“We’ve placed hives around the farm to assist with pollination, which is vital for our yields and helps us keep our process as natural as possible.”
Shaun, who joined Perfection Fresh in 2019 from South Africa with over 12 years of berry-growing expertise, brings a blend of practical knowledge and innovative techniques. “From a very young age, I was drawn to farming. I spent my school holidays on my uncle’s farm, which sparked my interest,” he says. His passion is evident as he and his team merge traditional farming with modern tech tools to optimise productivity.
Working closely with CQUniversity, Shaun tests new agricultural technologies, including Priva scales that automate irrigation by monitoring the weight of the pots. “When the weight dips to a certain level, the system triggers irrigation automatically,” Shaun explains. This precise irrigation keeps each plant optimally hydrated, preventing issues that can affect berry quality, such as overwatering or underwatering.
Perfection Fresh’s commitment to quality extends through all stages of production. Using Bitwise Agronomy, a tool that assesses fruit counts and forecasts yields, Shaun can plan labour needs with accuracy and bring ripe berries to market faster. “It’s an invaluable tool that lets us forecast yield and efficiently plan labour needs, ensuring we’re resourceful and prepared,” Shaun says.
Sustainable farming is integral to Perfection Fresh’s operations. The Bundaberg farm’s Reef Certification marks a commitment to responsible practices. “This certification demonstrates our commitment to sustainable farming, ensuring that our practices protect the planet and the ocean,” Shaun shares. The team also monitors water and fertiliser usage through daily drip and drain sampling, minimising environmental impact. “By measuring EC (electrical conductivity), we can ensure we’re not overusing fertilisers, which is crucial for sustainability.”
Integrated pest management (IPM) further supports eco-friendly goals by reducing chemical reliance. Shaun’s team uses RapidAIM traps, which electronically detect fruit flies, enabling timely interventions. “These traps allow us to monitor the fields daily to determine if and when to apply treatments,” he says, explaining that this approach minimises pesticide use and ensures only precise applications.
Technology aids in all aspects of the farm’s operation, including harvest. Each picker has a unique QR code, which allows Shaun’s team to track and scan picked fruit more efficiently. “Every picker on the farm has a unique QR code, allowing us to scan picked fruit faster and get it to the pack shed more quickly,” Shaun explains. This system ensures the berries are processed and cooled promptly, preserving their quality.
To remain innovative, Shaun’s team holds post-season debriefings to review performance and identify areas for improvement. “We identify areas for improvement, discuss potential solutions, and explore what new technology or support might be available,” he says. This cycle of learning ensures the team stays adaptable and equipped with the latest farming practices.
In Shaun’s words, “Our goal is to bring the highest quality berries to consumers, and that takes both expertise and the right tools.” His dedication to blending tradition with advanced farming techniques reflects Perfection Fresh’s broader mission: to consistently deliver the finest produce, with excellence in every detail.