California Ag Network

Tag: Blueberry Growers

  • Blueberry Industry Votes in Support of USHBC

    The USDA’s Ag Marketing Service (AMS) announced that a majority of eligible blueberry producers and importers voted in favor of continuing the work of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC). The industry created USHBC 26 years ago to give more U.S. consumers more reasons to buy more blueberries, to expand demand for U.S. blueberries in global markets and to provide services that equip all in the sector for success.

    “When the industry comes together, we make bigger opportunities possible for everyone to build the business, life and legacy they want and I’m thrilled the work of USHBC will continue,” said Ellie Norris, an Oregon blueberry grower and chair of the USHBC. “No other organization can do for the industry what USHBC can do, especially when it comes to driving category growth.”

    The USDA requires USHBC to hold a referendum every five years, and Norris said she and the rest of the board worked closely with staff to ensure eligible voters were well-informed about the past, current and planned efforts and progress made by the industry-led body.

    “We have momentum on our side. Thanks to decades of USHBC marketing informed by health research, U.S. consumers know blueberries are good for them and now they want and expect them year-round.” said Norris. “That said, I recognize not everyone voted ‘yes,’ and I hope those who have different perspectives or new ideas will become more involved in USHBC moving forward. Diverse perspectives are welcome and can make us stronger.”

    According to AMS, 58% of producers and importers representing 84% of the volume of blueberries grown, were in favor of continuing the program.

    “I’m excited about what’s next because the work of USHBC has never been more important than it is today,” said Brittany Lee, a Florida grower and USHBC vice chair. “The marketplace is certainly filled with pressures, including growing supply, but it’s also filled with promise and there is plenty of room to create more demand.”

    USHBC’s 2026 Blueberry Convention will take place in Monterey, California, Sept. 22-25, and registration remains open for all in the industry.

    “It’s a place to find helpful information, share and discuss future plans and make meaningful connections” said USHBC President Kasey Cronquist. “I hope growers, marketers, suppliers and everyone with an interest in the future success of the industry can join us, because we’ve got more work to do.”

    — Story contributed by the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council

  • California Blueberries Harvested at the Right Moment

    California blueberry growers had a good season, with the crop arriving at the right time to get a good price. Kasey Cronquist of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council and North American Blueberry Council spoke with Matthew Malcolm from California Fruit & Vegetable about some of the ways his organizations are promoting American blueberries and helping growers, including September’s Blueberry Convention in Monterey. Watch this quick video and learn more in California Fruit and Vegetable Magazine.

  • Bumper Crop Expected for California Blueberries

    The outlook is good this year for California blueberry growers. A bumper crop is expected, along with an early harvest during the warm weather, which will put them on shelves during a strong market window. California Blueberry Commission Executive Director Todd Sanders spoke with Matthew Malcolm from California Ag Network to discuss what’s happening in the blueberry industry. Watch this quick video and learn more in California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Simplot for their industry support.

  • Opportunities Emerge for California Blueberries

    Blueberries have become a global industry with growing demands creating opportunities for California growers, thanks in large part to the adoption of improved cultivars. David Magaña from Rabobank spoke with Matthew Malcolm of Malcolm Media Ag Publishing about his findings at the World Ag Expo. Watch this quick video and read more in California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor, Simplot for their industry support.

  • Blueberry Leadership Program Graduates Third Class of Fellows, Opens Applications for Class 4

    The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) is proud to announce the graduation of the third class of fellows in its Blueberry Industry Leadership Program. The graduation took place today at The Blueberry Convention in Seattle.

    The event marks the culmination of one year of hands-on learning, immersive industry experiences and professional development designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the blueberry industry.

    “The Blueberry Industry Leadership Program is more than a year of training — it’s an investment in the future of our industry. By equipping emerging leaders with the skills, experiences and networks they need to succeed, we’re ensuring that blueberries remain at the forefront of agriculture, innovation and global growth for generations to come,” said Amanda Griffin, vice president of engagement and education for the USHBC and the North American Blueberry Council (NABC).

    As part of their graduation, Class 3 fellows presented their capstone project — a comprehensive educational toolkit for schools designed to teach children about blueberries. This robust resource includes a 16-page activity book, a memory card game, lifecycle videos, kid-friendly recipes, and engaging lessons on how blueberries grow and their health benefits. The toolkit equips teachers and parents with a one-stop shop for blueberry education and reflects the fellows’ shared commitment to growing the next generation of blueberry lovers.

    “Seeing this talented and inquisitive group of individuals continue to evolve into blueberry industry leaders over the past year has been a true privilege,” said Mandy Boarman, industry and community engagement manager for USHBC and NABC. “We have no doubt their passion and expertise will be instrumental in guiding the industry toward a successful future.”

    Blueberry Leadership Program Class 3 Fellows

    • Yvan Berrospi, Family Tree Farms
    • Gabriel Bocock, Bumbleberry Acres
    • Joshua Carlton, JLC Farms
    • Sergio Carrasco, The Fruitist Company
    • Jake Johnson, Fall Creek
    • Stephanie Kleiner, Driscoll’s
    • Peter Machala, Wakefern Food Corp.
    • Brody Schropp, MBG Marketing
    • Zach Semerikov, Scenic Fruit
    • Jessica Silver, United Exports Sales and Marketing

    Applications Now Open for Class 4

    USHBC is now accepting applications for the fourth class of fellows who will begin their leadership journey in March 2026. The program welcomes up to 10 emerging leaders from across the blueberry supply chain who demonstrate a commitment to the industry’s growth and success.

    “Our goal for the upcoming year is to continue identifying and empowering future leaders of the blueberry industry,” said Griffin. “As we begin our fourth year of the program, we’re reminded that leadership in agriculture is built through education, collaboration and a commitment to constant improvement. This program helps foster those values, while creating long-lasting relationships that strengthen our industry.”

    About the Program

    The Blueberry Industry Leadership Program, generously sponsored by Fall Creek, is the first of its kind in the blueberry industry. It features:

    • One year of in-depth leadership development.
    • Exposure to key components of the produce supply chain.
    • Interaction with industry veterans and stakeholders.
    • A capstone project that contributes to the industry’s mission.

    Fellows will participate in a combination of in-person and virtual sessions between March 2026 and September 2027, including four in-person gatherings, culminating in a graduation ceremony at the 2027 Blueberry Convention. To support program costs and materials, each fellow pays a $2,500 participation fee.

    How to Apply

    USHBC is seeking candidates who:

    • Are emerging leaders in agriculture, preferably with blueberry industry experience.
    • Hold mid-level management roles.
    • Have at least five years of experience in agriculture.
    • Demonstrate passion, leadership potential and a commitment to the blueberry industry.

    Applicants must complete an application form and submit a letter of recommendation. They will be evaluated based on leadership potential, career relevance and overall fit. Finalists will be interviewed in June and July 2026, and selections will be announced shortly after.

    Application Deadline: Jan. 1, 2026

    Learn more and apply at: ushbc.org/leadership

    About the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council

    Established in 2000, The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) is a federal agriculture research and promotion program with independent oversight from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). USHBC represents blueberry growers and packers in North and South America who market their blueberries in the United States and overseas, and works to promote the growth and well-being of the entire blueberry industry. USHBC was established by blueberry growers and currently has 2,500 growers, packers and importers. USHBC is committed to providing blueberries that are grown, harvested, packed and shipped in clean, safe environments. Learn more at ushbc.org.

  • South Africa Market Now Open for U.S. Fresh Blueberries

    South Africa has officially approved market access for fresh blueberries from all U.S. states.

    Market Access Letter
    Operational Work Plan – West Coast
    Operational Work Plan – East Coast

    All facilities intending to ship to South Africa must register. This market will be added to the comprehensive facility registration form that the USHBC publishes every September for the following season. Exporters should watch for an email next month with facility registration details.

    If you’re interested in shipping during the 2025 season, please contact North American Blueberry Council/US Highbush Blueberry Council (NABC/USHBC) Director of Government Affairs Alyssa Houtby as soon as possible.

    After years of stalled progress, we thank the Trump administration for prioritizing this request and opening the South Africa market for U.S. fresh blueberries. We’re grateful to the dedicated team at USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) for their collaboration and for securing a science-based and practical work plan for blueberry growers and packers.

    Although South Africa’s blueberry market has evolved significantly since the original access request, NABC and USHBC remain optimistic about the opportunities this market presents. We believe strongly in the importance of open, science-based trade, and will continue working to expand and strengthen global market access for U.S. blueberry growers.

    To learn more about NABC’s market access efforts, contact Director of Government Affairs Alyssa Houtby. For information on USHBC’s market development programs, contact Director of Global Business Development Haiying Zhang. 

    History of the Request for Access

    This milestone was made possible through nearly a decade of collaboration among NABC, USHBC, the California Blueberry Commission, Oregon Blueberry Commission and Washington Blueberry Commission. We also thank Rufus Isaacs, Ph.D., of Michigan State University for his technical guidance on the operational work plan, and our partners at Bryant Christie Inc., whose support was instrumental in advancing this request.

  • Strong Demand and Prices Expected for California Blueberries This Season

    California blueberry growers are gearing up for harvest, and market trends appear to be in their favor this season with strong demand and lower global competition, according to David Magaña, Raboresearch Senior Analyst of Horticulture at Rabobank. David met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to highlight opportunities for the California blueberry market heading into the season. Watch this brief interview and read more in California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.