According to Kasey Cronquist, President of the North American Blueberry Council and the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, the global market potential for U.S. blueberries has been largely untapped, considering the tremendous growth opportunities he sees for the industry. The U.S. may reach a new record this year in blueberry production, and the increased supply is poised to meet the growing global demand for this nutrient-dense product. Watch Cronquist’s brief interview with Matthew Malcolm at California Ag Network and read more in California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.
Pollinating bees are in decline, and those that remain may not be up to the task of pollinating all the crops needed to feed the nation. To help keep food on the table, researchers are looking to native wild bees to take up the slack, especially for blueberries and other fruit crops.
“Honeybees are considered a universal crop pollinator worldwide, but their populations are in trouble, and they do not always pollinate certain crop plants efficiently,” said Blair Sampson, entomologist with the Agricultural Research Service’s Southern Horticultural Research Laboratory in Poplarville, MS. “Therefore, we [are turning] to wild native bees that share a much longer ecological history with our native North American crops.”
Some of these native bees can be managed like the honeybee, which means beekeepers and farmers can relocate colonies from their home regions for deployment to where crops are blooming. Native bees are very docile when being handled and they take care of themselves with little need for human involvement. Sampson is studying such a native bee, the chimney bee (also known as the miner bee).
Male chimney bee resting on a cluster of southern highbush blueberry flowers. (Photo by Blair Sampson, ARS)
Chimney bees are turning out to be an important find for blueberry growers.
In addition to the problem of declining populations, honeybees have difficulty pollinating blueberries due to their relatively short tongue and preference for other plants. Another wild bee, the southeastern blueberry bee, is an abundant and efficient specialist pollinator of blueberries throughout the Gulf Coast states. Unfortunately, many growers in lower-lying areas lack these bees or have too few of them in their fields. These blueberry bees cannot be managed, but the chimney bee, a close relative, can be actively managed and moved in to fill the pollinator void.
While chimney bees are not yet commercially available, relocating them is fairly simple, Sampson said. Gathering chimney bee cocoons from nests in the soil that sticks to the roots of fallen trees or roadside clay outcrops requires careful excavation and skilled handlers, but nesting material can simply be sun-dried clay-rich mud gathered locally. Further, there is no need for specialized tools and costs are minimal.
Chimney bees must be shipped while in a dormant state, then gently warmed to complete their development and emerge from their cocoons. Further, water and additional nesting material should be available to help them thrive.
“These bees do not produce enough honey for us, just enough for themselves, hence, chimney bees’ principal role would be as fruit pollinators,” Sampson explained. “However, the chimney bee does show certain qualities that highlight their ideal candidacy for commercial management: they are flower generalists with a strong homing instinct, and hence will nest in the same location for many years. They also nest in dense aggregations and remain gentle around people near their nest sites.”
Sampson said that adult chimney bees resemble small, fast-flying bumble bee workers, yet they nest and behave very differently.
The bees get their name from their horizontal tubular nests that resemble tiny mine shafts in clay, which they harden into “adobe” with the help of water they collect. As they dig deeper into a clay bank, they use this excess clay to fashion a downward facing tube or “chimney” hanging off the nest entrance.
Locating and relocating chimney bee nests is fairly easy, because they’re easy to find after construction projects or natural weather events disturb the land and give bees easy access to fresh-turned clay. After finding the nests, Sampson gathers earthen cocoons and moves them to where they are tested or released as fruit pollinators.
“Since pollinator habitat is continually declining due to increasing urbanization and crop cultivation, managing wild native bees, such as chimney bees, can help conserve vital natural resources and help farmers increase their yields,” Sampson said. “And, for fruit, nuts, and vegetable crops, native bees will be an essential component for optimizing crop production per acre of land, which is vital for maintaining a stable global food supply.” – By Scott Elliott, USDA-ARS Office of Communications
Each year, the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) provides an impact report that details the council’s efforts to keep blueberries front of mind (and top of cart!) with consumers and other key audiences. In 2023, USHBC’s mantra of “Inspiring Possibilities” was more powerful than ever as the USHBC focused on new and innovative ways to boost global passion for blueberries.
Despite 2023’s challenges, the USHBC succeeded in conveying the blueberry industry’s critical messages, provided timely information and news about the market, and sustained consumer enthusiasm for the amazing blues.
Shelly Hartmann from USHBC shared, “I encourage you to spend some time with the report to get a look at the committee members and staff who are leading the charge and learn about all of our efforts in 2023. I think you’ll be inspired when you check out the report – I know I was!”
The report includes:
Exciting consumer promotions and power periods.
Outstanding media coverage.
Health research promotions and partnerships.
Retail marketing efforts.
Foodservice events and activations.
Food manufacturing product development efforts.
Tactics for engaging blueberry industry stakeholders.
The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) today announced its partnership with Major League Pickleball (MLP by Margaritaville) for their 2024 season, promoting blueberries as “the official fruit of MLP” among a rapidly growing base of pickleball fans. One in five adult Americans, or 48 million people, play or have tried pickleball – and its popularity is growing each year at a rate of 64%. By being the first-ever produce commodity to partner with the premier organization for professional coed team pickleball, USHBC aims to increase awareness of blueberries’ benefits among pickleball enthusiasts, encouraging them to eat more blueberries for a healthy and active lifestyle.
“Pickleball is a hugely popular sport that inspires excitement and passion – in the same way we know many people are superfans of blueberries for their deliciousness and health benefits,” said Kasey Cronquist, president of U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council. “There is tremendous opportunity to capture and grow this enthusiasm through our partnership with Major League Pickleball, which will come to life throughout the season and motivate consumers to grab a boost of blue, whether they’re a fan of playing pickleball, watching it, or both.”
Blueberries’ partnership with MLP encompasses a comprehensive national marketing promotions program that spans 11 events in as many markets across the country, kicking off with the season’s first event, MLP Atlanta (May 9-12). USHBC advertising and messages encouraging consumers to Grab a Boost of Blue will appear in linear broadcast, streaming, courtside signage, and on MLP’s social media channels, website and newsletter. Additionally, MLP’s VIP and player tents will feature blueberries for hundreds of onsite attendees to enjoy at events throughout the season.
To complement the sponsorship, USHBC will also work directly with pickleball influencers and players to create content that demonstrates how blueberries are a perfect partner to support nutrition for athletes and active lifestyles alike. Turnkey assets for retailers, including in-store merchandising and digital materials, will also be made available to amplify July promotions at point-of-sale, via social media, online and more.
USHBC will also launch a National Blueberry Month campaign to further boost consumption and excitement around pickleball, including plans to host special activities during MLP’s mid-season tournament taking place July 10-14 in Grand Rapids, MI. More details will be announced in the coming weeks.
About the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council
The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council is an agriculture research and promotion group, representing 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. The blueberry industry is committed to providing blueberries that are grown, harvested, packed and shipped in clean, safe environments. Learn more at ushbc.blueberry.org.
About Major League Pickleball (MLP by Margaritaville)
MLP by Margaritaville (Major League Pickleball) is the preeminent team-based professional pickleball league, featuring nearly 100 of the best athletes across 22 teams, a unique coed format, easy to understand scoring, iconic team owners, and the most electric live events and fan experience in the sport. Founded in 2021, MLP named its first-ever title sponsor, Margaritaville, branding the league MLP by Margaritaville in December 2022. For more information on Major League Pickleball, visit the official website and follow MLP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
As blueberry harvest begins in California, watch this brief video of California Fruit & Vegetable Editor Matthew Malcolm interviewing Todd Sanders from the California Blueberry Commission, who anticipates California’s largest harvest of blueberries ever this season.
Mexico’s 2024 blueberry production is forecast at 81,000 MT, an eight percent increase over 2023 on sufficient water access and growing export demand. The rate of production growth is projected to be slower in 2024 compared to 2023 due to competition from Peru. Production in 2023 reached an estimated 74,800 MT, a twelve percent increase over the previous year due to production innovations and strong export demand. Blueberry exports totaled 71,509 MT in 2022, down about two percent compared to 2021. Imports reached 13,715 MT in 2022, a ten percent decrease from the previous year. The United States is Mexico’s top blueberry export market, with a nearly 97 percent share.
Executive Summary
Mexico’s blueberry sector has seen rapid growth in the past decade, with increasing prices encouraging growers to expand production or switch from other crops to blueberries. Production grew over 80 percent between 2017 and 2022, reaching 66,847 metric tons (MT), making Mexico the world’s fifth largest blueberry producer.
Mexico’s per capita blueberry consumption is barely 70 grams per year, constrained by price as well as consumer preference, with blueberries not occupying a place in traditional Mexican cuisine.
In 2022, Mexico’s total blueberry exports totaled 71,509 MT, down about two percent compared to 2021. By value, blueberry exports totaled USD 629 million in 2022. Imports reached 13,715 MT in 2022, a ten percent decrease from the previous year. While both import and export volumes decreased in 2022 compared to 2021, rising blueberry prices pushed up trade value, with both imports and exports increasing about seven percent by value from 2021 to 2022.
The United States is Mexico’s top blueberry export market, with a nearly 97 percent share, valued at USD 607 million. Other export destinations include the Netherlands, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. The U.S. is also Mexico’s number one blueberry supplier.
Production
Mexico’s calendar year (CY) 2024 blueberry production is forecast at 81,000 MT, an eight percent increase from forecast 2023 production based on expected adequate access to water and growing demand from international markets, predominantly the United States. Despite drought conditions throughout Mexico, local producers report that the berry sector will avoid the impact of water shortages in the near term (1-3 years). The sector is well-equipped with highly efficient irrigation systems, including private reservoirs, and ample operating funds.
Production growth is projected to remain strong in 2024, although not as as robust as in 2023 due to a shortened growing and harvest season. Historically, Mexico’s harvest began in early October, peaking between late April and early May. In contrast, industry sources report that for the 2024 harvest, producers have taken steps to delay the start of the harvest to early February in response to competition from Peru, which offers a similar product at lower prices during the October-January period. Faced with this competition, Mexican growers have shifted the growing season by delaying new plantings, which is projected to dampen overall prodution given the relatively significant place of new plantings in total planted area, with the sector currently undergoing a transition from Biloxi to proprietary varieties. Producers are actively switching away from the Biloxi variety to take advantage of the ongoing development of improved varieties that provide higher yields and better taste. According to farmer contacts, 23 percent of blueberry area is currently planted with the Biloxi variety and 74 percent is planted with proprietary varieties, and they expect the share of Biloxi to decrease significantly in the near term. In addition to delaying new plantings, Mexican producers report that they are delaying fertilizer applications as another technique to push the harvest beyone the Peruvian harvest period.
Blueberry production in 2023 reached an estimated 74,800 MT, a twelve percent increase over the previous year due to the use of improved varieties and other innovative production technology as well as strong export demand.
According to data from Mexico’s Agri-food and Fisheries Information Service (SIAP), blueberry production totaled 66,847 MT in 2022. Beginning in 2023, SIAP stopped reporting official blueberry data, for reasons that are not publicly available.
Mexico’s blueberry sector has been growing steadily in recent years, realizing a production growth of over 80 percent between 2017 and 2022. During this period blueberry planted area grew from 3,642 hectares (ha) to 4,444 ha, a 22 percent increase. Mexican blueberry exporters benefit from geographical proximity to the United States, with shipments reaching the U.S.-Mexico border in 18 hours or less. Berries are shipped to the U.S. market by truck daily. In addition, Mexico is able to provide blueberries during the off-season periods for other major producing countries, particularly the United States. Further, producers benefit from sustained investment to take advantage of growing export opportunities. Access to improved infrastructure and production methods enables growers to achieve greater yields and protect their crops against risks from pests, extreme weather, and other climate impacts. Read the full report from USDA Foreign Ag Service HERE.
The UC Cooperative Extension has released its 2023 Cost of Production for Fresh Market Raspberries report. The sample costs to establish, produce, and harvest raspberries in Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito Counties are presented in the following study. The study is intended as a guide only, and can be used to make production decisions, determine potential returns, prepare budgets, and evaluate production loans. The practices described are based on production and harvest procedures considered typical for this crop and area and may not apply to every farm. Sample costs for labor, materials, equipment, and custom services are based on current figures.
The hypothetical farm operation, production practices, overhead, and calculations are described under assumptions. For additional information or explanation of calculations used in the study, contact Mark Bolda, mpbolda@ucanr.edu, or Jeremy Murdock, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of California, Davis, (530) 752-4651. Sample Cost of Production studies for many commodities are available and can be downloaded from the website https://coststudies.ucdavis.edu. Archived studies are also available on the website.
Timothy Miles, an assistant professor in Michigan State University’s Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, is teaming up with researchers across the U.S. to further study management of Anthracnose and Botrytis fruit rot in blueberries.
A scientist at Michigan State University has received a $3.95 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) to develop strategies for implementing and maintaining effective management practices for blueberry fruit rot.
Timothy Miles, an assistant professor in MSU’s Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, is leading a multi-institutional team of researchers in addressing ways to improve the quality of blueberries while limiting their loss before, during and after harvest.
The USDA-funded project, part of the USDA’s Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI), is called: “BLUE-DYNAMO: An Interactive Platform to Deliver Blueberry Disease and Horticultural Management Strategies for Fruit Rots.”
Blueberries are sometimes referred to as “little blue dynamos” due to their health benefits. In this case, “BLUE-DYNAMO” is an acronym that stands for, “Building the Latest Understanding in Extension — Disease Management that Yields New and Meaningful Outputs.”
Two of the most common fruit rot diseases that alter the quality and yield of blueberry crops in the U.S. are Anthracnose fruit rot (AFR) and Botrytis fruit rot (BFR). AFR, also known as “ripe rot,” shows itself by wilting blueberries and producing spore masses that appear as orange speckles. BFR typically occurs in cooler temperatures and presents as gray mold on blueberries and other crops.
While much is already known about these diseases through previously conducted studies, Miles said advances in technology and joint action among scientists from across the country will propel current knowledge forward and address stakeholder needs.
“What makes this research unique is that it’s a coordinated effort (from multiple institutions) to study fruit rot across the U.S., and in blueberries that hasn’t happened before on this large of a scale,” Miles said.
Objectives of the project include:
Learning how management techniques impact the onset of fruit rot.
Applying molecular tools to accelerate the time it takes to detect fungicide resistance in pathogens.
Generating cultivar-specific fruit quality models to predict fruit vulnerability to rots, and using optical-imaging technology to filter and sort blueberries vulnerable to fruit rot.
Providing efficient ways growers and field specialists can access information drawn from the conducted research.
To make findings and recommendations easily and widely available, a BLUE-DYNAMO website is being designed that’ll allow for materials to be uploaded for educational and outreach purposes.
“Anything we find using this grant — grower information, important publications and other resources related to fruit rot — will be in here,” Miles said. “We may also build this into more than just information about fruit rot because it’s supposed to be a portal growers can use to gain knowledge on how to manage blueberry diseases.”
Other MSU researchers included in the grant are Josh Vander Weide, an assistant professor in MSU’s Department of Horticulture; Yuzhen Lu, an assistant professor in MSU’s Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering (BAE); and Cheyenne Sloan, a blueberry and small fruit educator with MSU Extension.
Along with studying pathogens and ways to manage them, scientists will create more refined models for pinpointing the ripeness in blueberries to prevent fruit rot from occurring in harvested berries. New imaging technology will also be tested to noninvasively screen blueberries for disease as they’re sorted.
Josh Vander Weide, an assistant professor in MSU’s Department of Horticulture.
Vander Weide said examining horticultural strategies to control fruit rot could lessen fungicide use, which is critical because fruit rot pathogens can become resistant to fungicides over time.
“Fruit rots tend to develop near harvest, so there are some practices we can employ to minimize disease pressure,” Vander Weide said. “This not only involves better defining which cultivars are more resistant (to these pathogens), but also what kind of harvest scenarios prolong disease development.”
Vander Weide said the team will be observing how pathogens develop in relation to the weather conditions blueberries are grown in and the maturity at which they’re picked. He also noted that collaborating with researchers from across the country grants opportunities to track an array of environments blueberries are farmed in.
“A greater percentage of fruit rot development occurs in the cartons you’re buying from the grocery store than on the plant,” Vander Weide said. “That’s why sometimes when we buy blueberries from the store, they’re moldy within a few days. The likelihood that this occurs depends on the cultivar, as well as when they’re harvested and how far they’re shipped.”
After harvest, Vander Weide said they’ll use cutting-edge technology to sort blueberries, separating ones that’ve been infected or are more likely to become infected with fruit rot based off certain qualities of the fruit, like firmness.
The grant provides funding for four years. Miles said he’s excited to lead this project on a broad scale because it was also his project while earning his doctoral degree from MSU in 2011 studying fruit rot in blueberries. — By Jack Falinski, Michigan State University
Michigan State University AgBioResearch scientists discover dynamic solutions for food systems and the environment. More than 300 MSU faculty conduct leading-edge research on a variety of topics, from health and climate to agriculture and natural resources. Originally formed in 1888 as the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, MSU AgBioResearch oversees numerous on-campus research facilities, as well as 15 outlying centers throughout Michigan. To learn more, visit agbioresearch.msu.edu.
What are some of the most creative and mouth-watering ways to grab a boost of blue? Blueberry fans will answer this July with their delicious entries in The Great Blueberry Recipe Showdown. Hosted by the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC), the recipe contest celebrates National Blueberry Month, the versatility of blueberries and the dedication of blueberry fans. Christina Tosi, James Beard Award-winning pastry chef and founder and co-owner of Milk Bar, will judge the contest. The grand prize includes $10,000 and the opportunity to meet Milk Bar’s Christina Tosi and tour the flagship Milk Bar bakery in New York City.
The Great Blueberry Recipe Showdown shines a spotlight on the many ways to enjoy blueberries – as a meal or snack, at any time of day, with sweet or savory flavors. Contest participants can submit their favorite original recipe in one of five categories: breakfast, lunch and dinner, snacks and appetizers, mocktails and cocktails, and dessert. In addition to one grand prize winner, which can come from any of the categories, one second-prize winner will be chosen in each of the other four categories ($1,000each) and one randomly chosen participant will win a sweepstakes prize just for entering ($500). The contest will run from July 1-31, and entries can be submitted at BlueberryShowdown.com.
“Creativity, curiosity, expression fuel me, and that’s one of the reasons I love blueberries – their possibilities are endless! Blueberries add a pop of flavor, color, texture, and fun to any recipe, so they’re perfect for celebrating, in July and beyond,” said Tosi. “With The Great Blueberry Recipe Showdown, fans can really embrace the versatility of blueberries and have a blast in the kitchen. I can’t wait to see what they create – I know I’ll leave with a full inspiration tank!”
In addition to delicious taste and versatility, every boost of blue comes with nutritious benefits. Blueberries, whether fresh or frozen, offer a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese and phytonutrients called polyphenols. They’re also a good source of fiber, containing 3.6 grams, and only 80 calories per serving (one cup, or approximately a handful). Eating blueberries is a simple, smart choice people can feel good about making every day.
“USHBC is on a mission to grow our community of blueberry superfans and encourage people to grab a boost of blue each and every day. National Blueberry Month is the perfect occasion to celebrate blueberry fans across the U.S. and shine a light on the incredible growers who work so hard to bring this beautiful and delicious berry to our kitchens.” said Kasey Cronquist, president, the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council. “The Great Blueberry Recipe Showdown also gives fans the opportunity to share their talents and creativity as we celebrate this July. We’re excited to see their favorite ways to grab a boost of blue.”
To submit a recipe in The Great Blueberry Recipe Showdown – and read the full contest rules – visit BlueberryShowdown.com.
For more information on National Blueberry Month, including history, blueberry trivia and mouthwatering blueberry recipes for summer, visit Blueberry.org/celebrate.
Promotion open only to legal residents of the 50 United States (D.C.), 18 years of age and older. Void where prohibited by law. Enter Promotion before 7/31/23 at 11:59 pm ET. Subject to full Official Rules, including prizes, judging criteria, and all details, click here. Sponsor: U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, 81 Blue Ravine Road, Suite 110, Folsom, CA95630.
About the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council is an agriculture promotion group, representing 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. The blueberry industry is committed to providing blueberries that are grown, harvested, packed and shipped in clean, safe environments. Learn more at blueberrycouncil.org.
In the United States, blueberries are the second-most produced berry, and their popularity has grown exponentially in less than 30 years – up from 45,000 tons grown in the 1990s to 339,000 tons in 2019. ARS researchers are working hard to help farmers keep up with consumer demand.
“In blueberry, we focus on improving the shelf life of fruit so that it reaches consumers with consistently better texture and flavor,” said Claire Luby, plant geneticist with HCPGIR. “This also means developing new types of blueberries that are easier to harvest using mechanical harvesting equipment.”
Blueberries are notorious for being difficult to harvest with machinery because they bruise so easily.
Perhaps a larger challenge for Luby and her colleagues is developing a cultivar that is resistant to a disease known to be a scourge of the berry: blueberry shock virus.
“We’re studying diverse blueberry plants to understand the genetic basis for blueberry shock virus, which can significantly impact yields for farmers,” she said. “Our hope is to use the insights from this project to develop new cultivars that are resistant, or at least more tolerant to, the disease.”
Blueberry shock virus has caused annual crop losses of 34-90% in the Pacific Northwest.
“The fruits that we focus on in this project are some of the most consumed fruits in the United States and contribute important nutritional benefits to consumers,” Luby said. The fruits are also economically important to the region, with Washington and Oregon being the nation’s top two producers.
According to Luby, researchers combine traditional plant breeding with genomics to find the right genetic mix for their disease-resistant cultivars.
Their plant breeding programs use traditional techniques of taking pollen from one plant and using it to pollinate a different plant with complementary characteristics. They then determine if the progeny of these crosses have the new characteristics that meet the goals of the breeding programs. In general, these techniques have been used in one form or another by people trying to improve agricultural crops for millennia.
“Where the genomics piece comes in is to try to improve the accuracy and speed of the plant breeding process,” Luby explained. “We are now able to obtain a lot more genetic information about the plants and we can use that information to potentially predict whether an offspring of a given cross might have the characteristics we are looking for before we plant it out in the field. This is important because it can increase the speed of the plant breeding process.”
Traditional blueberry breeding can take more than 20 years from the time an initial cross is made to when a consumer might eat from a resulting cultivar.
“Our goals are to develop blueberries that require fewer chemical inputs to fight disease, which can be better for both the environment and for growers’ bottom lines,” Luby said. – By Scott Elliott, USDA-ARS Office of Communications
