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Meet Kate
Kate’s journey into berry farming started far from Australia—on a dairy farm in Kent, UK, where her passion for agriculture first began. After purchasing Burlington in Tasmania, Kate, Stewart and their family took a bold leap into berry growing in 2012, despite having no prior experience with soft fruit. Today, Kate is the Managing Director of Burlington Berries, working alongside a dedicated team that includes two of their four daughters. Burlington Berries is part of The Tooma Group, a Sutherland family business that also includes two mixed-production farms and a national seed company, with two more daughters and two sons-in-law involved across the wider business.
Set in Cressy, Tasmania, Burlington Berries thrives in a region known for its cool summers and crisp winters—ideal conditions for growing high-quality soft fruit. The 75-hectare farm is home to rows of strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries, all grown under protective polytunnels using coir, a sustainable coconut fibre substrate. With natural windbreaks, ample water, and room to grow, the farm is built to last—and flourish.
Kate’s day-to-day is focused on the bigger picture: reducing food waste, advancing sustainability, ensuring financial stability, and improving the farm’s packhouse logistics. But what hasn’t changed is her love for berries—she still enjoys them daily, straight from the plant or sprinkled over cereal. And for every celebration? Berries are always on the table.
Burlington Berries isn’t just about farming—it’s deeply connected to the local community. The team supports nearby schools and shops, donates fruit to aged care homes, and provides seconds fruit to local charities for jam-making. They’re also proud supporters of local sports, including the Launceston rugby clubs and Cressy Bowls Club and international projects in East Timor.
Sustainability is at the core of everything they do. From solar panels powering the packhouse and village, to reusing excess fruit for animals or secondary manufacturing, and encouraging pollinators with dedicated plantings, Burlington Berries is paving the way for a more conscious future in agriculture.
