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
Hundreds of grape growers being paid 1970s rates at breaking point in Australia's largest wine region
Growers in South Australia's Riverland will gather at a crisis meeting as warm inland wine regions are pushed to breaking point by 1970s prices for their grapes.
Wine grape growers drive tractors through Riverland streets in protest against below-cost prices
Growers in Australia's largest wine grape producing region are calling for more government support, along with a mandatory code of conduct, to ensure the sustainability of their industry, as many let their fruit rot due to below-cost prices.
Mysterious bee deaths prompt beekeepers to get answers about the impact of fruit fly chemical sprays
Several beekeepers in South Australia's Riverland are calling for greater transparency on the potential harm of the state's fruit fly chemical sprays.
Wet summer threatens to create a shortage of Australian-grown dried fruit
Lovers of dried fruit could face shortages of some Australian-grown products this year as unfavourable weather conditions create a global decline in production.
'Still living out the remnants of that anxiety’: Twelve months later, farmers still feel impact of floods
Farmers like Alexandra Westlake and Meiqing Lin were left devastated when the River Murray flooded. A year on, the emotional and financial toll is just being realised.
After selling the magic of Christmas for decades, pine-tree farmers hand seeds to a new family
The Mediterranean climate of South Australia's Riverland is poles apart from a winter wonderland, but one family is turning to a festive crop to future-proof their farm, with the help of old hands.
SA grain growers go Christmas shopping and have family holidays after early harvest finish
Many grain farmers in South Australia are celebrating an early harvest and planning how they will keep busy on what will be one of their earliest breaks at Christmas time.
Farmers consider 'locking the gate' on mineral sands mining company after environmental breaches
Chinese-owned company Murray Zircon has stopped work on a mineral sands mine in SA's Mallee following a direction from the state government after farmers complained of environmental breaches to their lease agreement.
'Lesser of two evils': Return of Murray mouth dredging met with mixed emotions after floods
Dredgers at the River Murray mouth were halted for the first time in six years when floodwaters arrived in 2022. But now they're back in action in what irrigators and scientists see as an unfortunate necessity in this unique ecosystem.
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.