NABC and the USHBC, in partnership with the Ag Trade Education Council, invite you to join the Trade 101 webinar series – a four-part series designed to deepen your understanding of U.S. trade policy and its impact on agriculture, particularly the blueberry industry.
Each one-hour workshop will advance your knowledge on trade policy history, recent trade developments, and blueberry imports and exports.
4 Sessions Provide Practical Insights
Part 1 (Sept. 29): Explore why trade matters to U.S. agriculture and trace the history of trade law and policy from the nation’s founding through 2015.
Part 2 (Oct. 14): Examine key developments in U.S. trade during the different administrations, with a focus on policy shifts and priorities.
Part 3 (Nov. 13): Review the latest trade developments of 2025, including tariffs, trade agreements and legal challenges to presidential authority.
Part 4 (Dec. 9): Take a deep dive into how global trade has changed the U.S. blueberry industry, looking at the history, legal challenges and current landscape of blueberry imports and exports.
You’ll walk away with a broad understanding of U.S. trade policy over time and practical insights into how trade directly affects the blueberry industry.
Don’t miss this first-ever series! Register today.
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.
The North American Blueberry Council (NABC) today announced the hiring of Monument Advocacy, a government relations and public affairs firm based in Washington, DC. Monument will work with NABC to promote the blueberry industry in the nation’s capital and advocate for programs and products in the 2023 Farm Bill that support the business of blueberries.
“The North American Blueberry Council represents every section of the blueberry industry, including farmers, packers, shippers and researchers, and keeps all stakeholders updated with market reports, consumer data and analytics, and marketing insights,” said Kasey Cronquist, President of the North American Blueberry Council. “As we move into 2023, NABC is focused on ramping up our presence in Washington, DC to ensure Members of Congress understand the scope, scale, and benefits of the highbush industry. It is vital our members’ views are heard during the upcoming Farm Bill negotiation, and that legislators are informed about the needs of the industry, as well as the nutritional benefits of blueberries. When searching for a firm to help us achieve these goals, Monument Advocacy was top-of-mind, and we are confident our partnership will immensely serve the blueberry industry.”
“We are thrilled to work with the North American Blueberry Council on advancing their members’ goals in Washington, DC,” said T.A. Hawks, Partner and head of the Agriculture Practice at Monument Advocacy. “The blueberry industry is experiencing unprecedented growth and Monument is excited to help NABC educate lawmakers about how to best support the industry through legislation. 2023 is a big year for agriculture policy, and we are ready to ensure NABC has its voice heard in Washington, DC.”
About NABC: Since 1965, the North American Blueberry Council (NABC) has been the voice of the blueberry industry in the U.S. and Canada. NABC’s members represent approximately 70% of the North American highbush blueberry crop. NABC was instrumental in the establishment of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHABC), a federal agriculture research and promotion program with independent oversight from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Learn more athttps://nabc.blueberry.org/
About Monument Advocacy:Monument Advocacy is a bipartisan firm that offers government relations, public affairs, strategic and crisis communications, and digital services. We focus on providing our clients with the best advice on how to engage effectively in today’s challenging and crowded public policy marketplace.
The North American Blueberry Council (NABC) released the full slate of its recently elected board of directors, including new president Pat Goin of Goin’s Blueberry Lane in Indiana, and other board officers. Starting in 2023, the board has been expanded from six to 15 members, several of which hail from California. Among the new Board members is Todd Sanders, Executive Director of the California Blueberry Commission. “I am excited to join the NABC Board of Directors and help with the continued promotion and market development of the blueberry industry. The California blueberry industry has grown exponentially over the last 10 years and I look forward to representing the California blueberry industry in their efforts on the National level.”
The NABC board is charged with addressing issues, opportunities and industry practices that drive success and profitability in the production and distribution of blueberries in North America and around the world. Over the past two years, the NABC’s board leadership has taken a bold approach to further develop and drive the organization’s mission, including the expansion of board representation and new categories of membership to encourage membership growth.
Prior to her tenure as NABC board president, Goin served as vice chair of the board and chair of the NABC’s Government Affairs Committee. She was also the chair of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council’s (USHBC) Good Practices Committee.
“NABC continues to be uniquely positioned to unite our industry efforts,” explained Goin. “I look forward to working with our newly expanded board to accomplish together what none of us could accomplish alone. This is an exciting evolution for our organization, and I’m proud to be a part of where we are going.”
In addition to Goin, the 2023 executive board includes:
• Teddy Koukoulis, Chair Elect, Fabulous Farms LLC • Ellie Norris, Secretary, Norris Farms LLC • Art Galletta, Treasurer, Atlantic Blueberry Co. • Ken Patterson, Past Chair, Island Grove LLC
Newly elected members of the board include:
• Tom Avinelis, AgriCare Inc. • Chelsea Consalo, Consalo Family Farms • David Jackson, Family Tree Farms • Brittany Lee, Florida Blue Farms • Jason Smith, Fraser Berry Farms • Cesar Ortiz Mendoza, Aba Value/Berries Paradise • Bo Slack, California Giant Berry Farms • Ryan Lockman, North Bay Produce • Derek Eisele, Scenic Fruit • Todd Sanders, California Blueberry Commission
Joe Vargas has been hired as the director of business intelligence for the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) and North American Blueberry Council (NABC). In this newly created role, Vargas is responsible for developing and leading a best-in-class data and insights program for the blueberry industry.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Joe to the team and can’t wait for him to lend his expertise to providing the blueberry industry with the data insights that are needed today to make smart business decisions,” said USHBC and NABC President Kasey Cronquist. “His experience and strong communications skills make him a perfect fit to develop and lead this part of our program at a critical time for the industry. He’ll help us use data to connect the dots to help us drive even greater demand opportunities for blueberries!”
Prior to joining the councils, Vargas was the director of marketing, business development and business intelligence for FirstFruits Marketing in Yakima, Washington, and a lecturer at Central Washington University where he taught graduate and undergraduate data analytics courses. He also has experience in sales and management for firms including Copiers Northwest, Ecolab and MDC Promotions.
He holds a master’s degree in information technology, with a focus on data structures and analytics, from Central Washington University, and a bachelor’s in economics, also from Central Washington.
In his new role, Vargas will collect, analyze and communicate data that helps growers and industry experts make effective business decisions. He’ll also lead the USHBC and NABC Data and Insights Program, and will be responsible for building a production, inventory and historical price reporting program.
“I’m thrilled to be joining USHBC and NABC in this critical new role for the industry,” Vargas said. “We live in an information age – data can be useful, but it’s even more valuable when combined with intelligence, research, context and professional judgment, and that’s where I’ll focus.”
Beginning September 28, 2020, the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) and North American Blueberry Council (NABC) appointed Jennifer Sparks, a longtime marketing professional for the floral industry, as vice president, marketing and communications.
Jennifer Sparks
In her new role as part of the USHBC/NABC executive team, Sparks will manage various advertising agencies and marketing partners, and oversee all aspects of the marketing strategic plan, including branding, merchandising, promotions, advertising, public/media relations, market research and consumer affairs to spotlight the health benefits of blueberries and increase consumption. She will lead the implementation of brand-driven internal and external communications across a range of categories: consumer, retailer, food service and industry relations. She will work with a diverse group of industry stakeholders – growers, handlers, importers and retailers – across two continents.
Sparks brings more than two decades of association management and industry promotion experience, most notably 17 years as vice president of marketing for the Society of American Florists (SAF). There, she spearheaded the floral industry’s public education and media relations campaigns, experiential marketing initiatives, influencer programs, digital content and collateral materials. The SAF program developed strategies, messaging and key tactics inspired by consumer insights and groundbreaking university research to promote the emotional health and well-being benefits of flowers. Sparks also served as the industry spokesperson and trained others in media relations best practices.
Sparks holds a master’s degree in public relations/corporate communications with a specialty in crisis management from Boston University, and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Radford University in Virginia.
“We’re thrilled to have Jennifer on board to help direct our marketing and demand-driving efforts,” shared NABC/USHBC President Kasey Cronquist. “She brings a depth of experience and leadership that gives me great confidence in where our blueberry industry can go from here.”
A self-proclaimed blueberry enthusiast since childhood, Sparks says, “I am grateful for the opportunity to join such a dynamic team to help build brand recognition, enhance thought leadership, amplify the value proposition and promote the amazing benefits of blueberries.”
Sparks shared more of her experience and thoughts on the new direction for 2021 in a recent episode of USHBC’s “The Business of Blueberries” podcast.
Adam Winland Joins NABC and USHBC as Financial Controller
Adam Winland has been hired as the financial controller for the North American Blueberry Council (NABC) and the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC), a newly created position that will oversee the councils’ day-to-day accounting and provide strategic financial direction.
Adam Winland
Winland brings 15 years of financial management experience to the councils. He most recently spent four years as controller for Ideal Dental Management Partners based in West Sacramento, California. He managed the finances of multiple dental offices and was involved in the acquisitions and sales of dental practices.
He previously spent two years as assistant controller for Easter Seals Bay Area based in Pleasant Hill, California, and six years as vice president of accounting and finance for TKG International, a real estate investment firm based in Livermore, California. At TKG, he was involved in the management of the company’s 100-acre vineyard and helped it transition to organic growing practices and become certified by California Certified Organic Farmers.
He is a native of Michigan and a 2004 graduate of Eastern Michigan University with a master’s degree in accounting and a bachelor’s degree in accounting information systems, with a minor in economics.
Winland will be part of the councils’ executive team and manage an annual budget exceeding $13 million. He will oversee accounting, investments, cash flow management, and short- and long-range financial projections. He will also ensure the accuracy of NABC/USHBC accounting data and financial records, produce annual budgets and financial reports, and oversee financial and regulatory audits. He’ll head up administrative services, which includes human resources, benefits, policies and procedures, and operations.
“We’re excited to have Adam bring his knowledge and expertise to the team,” said Kasey Cronquist, president of NABC and USHBC. “His prior experience in ag and finance make him a perfect fit as we look to grow our program alongside the growing demand for blueberries.”
“I’m thrilled to be part of these organizations and I look forward to helping NABC and USHBC achieve their respective visions,” Winland said. “Coming back to my ag roots is an absolute pleasure, and I’m happy to contribute to the success and sustainability of the councils.”
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.
About the North American Blueberry Council
Since 1965, the North American Blueberry Council (NABC) has been the voice of the blueberry industry in the U.S. and Canada. NABC’s members represent approximately 70% of the North American highbush blueberry crop. NABC was instrumental in the establishment of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHABC), a federal agriculture research and promotion program with independent oversight from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Learn more at nabcblues.org.
The North American Blueberry Council (NABC) today announced the hiring of Monument Advocacy, a government relations and public affairs firm based in Washington, DC. Monument will work with NABC to promote the blueberry industry in the nation’s capital and advocate for programs and products in the 2023 Farm Bill that support the business of blueberries.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Joe to the team and can’t wait for him to lend his expertise to providing the blueberry industry with the data insights that are needed today to make smart business decisions,” said USHBC and NABC President Kasey Cronquist. “His experience and strong communications skills make him a perfect fit to develop and lead this part of our program at a critical time for the industry. He’ll help us use data to connect the dots to help us drive even greater demand opportunities for blueberries!”
Beginning September 28, 2020, the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) and North American Blueberry Council (NABC) appointed 
