Our story began with a question.
In 2014, Denise and Howard Wilcockson went looking for a cool-climate berry that could bring something new to their Tasmanian property. Haskap was unfamiliar in Australia, but its flavour, colour and northern growing history inspired a long-term experiment.
Seeds became a living collection.
Hundreds of seedlings were raised and observed for vigour, flowering, fruit set, berry size and flavour. A visit to the University of Saskatchewan’s haskap conference in 2017 connected the work with experienced breeders and growers overseas.
Taste helped guide selection.
Promising fruit was assessed with visiting Canadian growers, and selected plants were advanced for propagation. That practical focus on what grows well and tastes exciting remains central to the Haskaps of Oz name.
The next chapter is at Yeowarra.
We are building on that foundation at Irrewarra: growing plants, testing selections and investing in genetics for Australian conditions. Our ambition reaches beyond today’s nursery packs to flavourful, juicy berries and a future commercial crop for Australian consumers.
Grow the story with us.
Every well-recorded planting adds useful local experience. Keep your plant labels, share what you observe and follow our Learn journal as the program develops.