U.S. highbush blueberry producers and importers approved a national referendum that will continue the national research and promotion program.
The referendum was conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). In the referendum, 84% of those voting, which represented 93% of the volume of highbush blueberries, voted in favor of continuing the program.
“Since joining the USHBC within the last referendum period, I’ve admired what the industry has worked together to achieve to date, and now am honored and humbled to be part of our journey for the next five years and beyond,” said Kasey Cronquist, president of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) since July 2019. “The future is bright for blueberries, and we’re looking forward to continuing to work on the behalf of our stakeholders to build upon and strengthen our demand-driving programs. Go blueberries!”
Why do it?
A referendum is required every five years to determine whether the industry is in favor of continuing the program. More than 50% of votes and 50% of the volume voted were required for the program to continue. Eligible producers who produce 2,000 pounds or more of highbush blueberries domestically, or eligible importers of record who import 2,000 or more pounds of fresh or processed blueberries, voted on the referendum.
For more information about the Council, visit the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council page on the AMS website and on the Council’s website, ushbc.blueberry.org.