While the pending International Trade Commission decision regarding the case of serious injury that imports have had against blueberry growers will be pivotal for producers in Florida and Georgia, another marketing opportunity may lie with producers capitalizing on exports to China. Greg Fonsah, University of Georgia Agribusiness Extension economist, said during Friday’s Ag Forecast meeting there is a real opportunity …
Blueberry Imports a Complement to Southeastern Producers?
The Blueberry Coalition of Progress and Health contends that imports of blueberries do not take away markets from southeastern growers but complements their production. It made its case to the International Trade Commission (ITC) on Jan. 12 during a virtual hearing and continues to believe there is a big enough “blueberry pie” for all parties to benefit from. “That’s why …
U.S. Blueberry Farmers Testify to ITC of Import Harm
Blueberry farmers from across the United States are asking the ITC for temporary relief from a surge in imports that are harming the domestic industry WASHINGTON, January 12, 2021 – Members of the American Blueberry Growers Alliance (ABGA), a group representing U.S. domestic blueberry farmers, today provided information to the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) during a hearing on the …
Fried Speaks During ITC Blueberry Hearing
Nikki Fried, Florida Ag Commissioner, testified on Tuesday during a virtual hearing with the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) regarding a global safeguard investigation into fresh, chilled or frozen blueberries. The investigation centers on unfair trade practices regarding blueberry imports from foreign countries, including Mexico. Fried stated that Florida has a $62.3 million blueberry industry but its market share has …
ITC Hearing a Story of David vs. Goliath
One agricultural lobbyist believes next Tuesday’s hearing with the International Trade Commission (ITC) regarding blueberry imports is a “story of David and Goliath.” Bob Redding, who works for the Redding Firm and serves as a lobbyist for agricultural groups in Washington, D.C., believes the American Blueberry Growers Alliance (ABGA) has a strong case to make to the ITC against the …
Chilli Thrips: An Increasing Threat for Blueberry Growers
By Oscar Liburd Chilli thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis, was first detected in southern highbush blueberries in Florida in Orange, Sumter and Hernando counties during the summer of 2008. It is a major pest of many host plants, including vegetable, ornamental and fruit crops. FEEDING DAMAGE In blueberry, chilli thrips feed on young leaves, causing leaf bronzing (Figure 1) and shoot dieback in …
UF Blueberry Breeder on Sentinel Variety: It Can Make You Money
The University of Florida’s (UF) newest blueberry variety possesses the quality all growers want in the Sunshine State. “It can make you money,” said Patricio Munoz, UF blueberry breeder. Munoz emphasized the attributes that make the Sentinel variety highly sought after from Florida farmers. “We can go around to yield, quality and everything but, yes, this one can make you …
Sneak Peek: January 2021 VSCNews Magazine
By Ashley Robinson The January issue of VSCNews magazine will be the blueberry grower’s handbook heading into the 2021 season. Chilli thrips are a growing threat for blueberry growers. Without proper management of the pest, overall plant vigor and yields can be affected. Oscar Liburd, a professor at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) in …
New UF Blueberry App First Phase in Two-Part Project
A new University of Florida (UF) smartphone app will provide immediate help to the state’s blueberry producers who are gearing up for the upcoming season. It is the first phase of a two-part project that Patricio Munoz, the UF/IFAS blueberry breeder and an assistant professor of horticultural sciences, tackled in hopes of consolidating chunks of information into one place that …
U.S. Blueberry Growers Form New Alliance to Seek Import Remedies
WASHINGTON, December 16, 2020 – Blueberry growers across America today established a new coalition, the American Blueberry Growers Alliance, to seek relief from rising imports that are harming their businesses. The Alliance will provide information and support to an ongoing U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) investigation into the serious injury caused by increased imports of fresh, chilled and frozen blueberries …