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Eliza Berlage
Renmark, SA
Eliza is the rural reporter for ABC Riverland. A city-slicker gone country in search of wide open spaces and great stories, her journalism experience spans across four states. She has has worked in radio in Sydney, reported and produced in the Federal parliament press gallery, and written for newspapers and online in Horsham and in Naracoorte.
Latest by Eliza Berlage
Five SA infrastructure projects have been stripped of federal funding
The state is grappling with the loss of hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding towards major road projects, while gaining more than $2b towards the North-South Corridor.
Wine lovers thirsty for 'genuinely good' no or low alcohol option, as search continues for perfect drop
Alcohol products for those keen to stay sober have gone from niche to mainstream in a short span of time. But connoisseurs say finding such a drop replicating the mouth feel of real wine is like searching for "the holy grail".
Capers look effortless and appetising on a plate — but harvesting them is a brutal labour of love
Australian-grown capers are a sought-after ingredient for high-end restaurants, selling for up to $50 per 250 grams. And with each tiny bud picked by hand, it's not hard to see why.
Why funky young wines are a winner for Aussie producers looking for fresh export markets
It's out with the heavy old-world styles and in with bright, natural drops as young consumers around the globe seek wines with more Australian sunshine and fewer additives.
Farmers on edge as orchards 'hammered' by rise of European earwigs
First detected in Australia in the 1930s, European earwigs can affect citrus, cherries and canola – and farmers are being warned to check carefully and early for signs of infestation.
Joanne lost her income after her farm was flooded twice when state-owned levees failed. She wants them fixed
Flood-affected farmers in South Australia's Murraylands are calling for action in repairing broken levees to prevent future disaster.
Why Australian grape growers are ditching shiraz and cab sav for 'trendier' varieties
In response to the global red wine oversupply, grape growers embrace lesser-known varietals to appeal to adventurous consumers.
Sheepskins go from luxury to landfill as prices plummet and synthetics take over
Sheepskin car seat covers, and wool-lined gloves were once the height of luxury but these days, farmers are lucky if they're not charged a fee to send them to landfill.
Mass carp herpes infection scheme delayed again, critic rues waste of 'golden opportunity'
Federal and state agricultural ministers have agreed to further research into the potential release of a carp herpes virus into Australian waterways, but an expert says doing so risks wasting more time and money.
Farmers walk away from drought, distress to celebrate sweet food van success
Trevor Braun was struggling to feed his family during a devastating drought, so he decided to sell the family farm to focus on selling sweet treats.
How do we stay healthy during the high cost of living? Embrace the onion, dietician says
A dietician is encouraging more people to eat onions to boost good gut bacteria and increase their daily vegetable intake, with the added benefit that prices have remained stable despite inflation.
Meet the small rural businesses getting a slice of Australia's multi-billion-dollar pet food market
The global market for pet food supplements is expected to reach $5 billion before the end of the decade, as animal lovers undergo a mindset shift towards preventative health measures for their beloved furry mates.
Collaborative farming project comes to an end in the Riverland
After 15 years, John Gladigau is stepping away from Bulla Burra farm to pursue other leadership opportunities, leaving Robin Schaefer in charge.
Some winemakers are putting their best wines in casks. They say it is better than glass
Winemakers want consumers to stop the snobbery towards cask wine and embrace it as a climate-friendly and cost-effective alternative to glass bottles.
How food trends might be contributing to food waste
Much like the fashion industry, food consumption follows trends, and a researcher is concerned about their effect on farmers.
Risk of scurvy, rickets rising amid food affordability crisis, researchers warn
Public health researchers are concerned rising cost-of-living pressures are opening the door to serious Victorian-era diseases like scurvy.
Could this native pollinator be an alternative solution to the under-threat European honey bee?
Australia's agricultural industry is heavily reliant on European honey bees, but scientists say native species have shown promise as alternative pollinators.
Could tax perks for donating 'ugly' or excess produce help solve Australia's food waste woes?
Australia's largest food relief charity wants the federal government to change its tax arrangements to make donating unwanted produce less costly for businesses.
Leading chef calls on Aussies to buy locally grown olives as a 'fresher and better' option
Chef Mark Best says Australian table olives offer better quality for consumers, truth in labelling and help reduce the impact of food miles on the environment.
Tonnes of 'beautiful' oranges, mandarins dropped in paddocks as stockfeed
Citrus growers are struggling to produce fruit that meets market specifications and truckloads of rejected but "quality" oranges, tangelos and mandarins are being sent to feed cattle and sheep.
Expensive fruit fly protocols hit small-time growers, who face 'death by paperwork'
Produce from small-time Riverland growers is disappearing from supermarket shelves as soaring treatment costs for the ongoing fruit fly outbreak risks allowing bigger businesses to muscle them out.
Almond growers await green light to allow NSW beehives into SA amid varroa mite concerns
The pollination season is just starting in South Australia and almond growers need more bees, but the state government is cautious about allowing hives from New South Wales, which remains under varroa mite restrictions.
Grape growers hit by worst disease pressures in decades raise concerns about unmanaged vineyards
Riverland wine grape growers are experiencing higher crop losses this year due to disease, possibly worsened by neglected vineyards nearby.
Record number of Pacific Islanders now work in Australia helping supply your next meal
This fruit picker is supporting his family in Vanuatu to recover from cyclones. He hopes changes to the Pacific worker program will help him send more money home.
Wine grape growers out of pocket as vintage price negotiations stall
Australia's largest member-owned wine grape co-operative is considering legal action against Accolade Wines as growers await a final price for cabernet sauvignon and shiraz grapes.