California Fruit and Vegetable

Tag: USHBC

  • Export Market Registration Now Open for 2026 Shipping

    The blueberry export facility registration period for the 2026 shipping season is now open! Any company planning to export to Vietnam, the Philippines, China, Chile or South Africa in 2026 must be registered and approved for export by USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).

    To register your facility, complete this form by Friday, December 19.

    Complete this form if you are:

    Registering an export facility for the first time. APHIS will contact you to confirm approval.

    Updating the contact information for a previously approved facility.

    You do not need to complete this form for a previously approved facility if there are no changes to the previous registration. Previously approved facilities will automatically be re-registered for the 2026 shipping season.

    For specific questions, please email us at mail@ushbc.org and a member of our staff will get back to you as soon as possible.

    USHBC’s export programs help the industry more effectively export and market all forms of blueberries in countries and regions with the highest volume potential. For more information about global market development initiatives, click the button below.

  • Pluff & Bonny Named Winners in Blueberry Boost Accelerator Pitch Competition

    The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) crowned Pluff as the $20,000 grand prize winner and Bonny as the $10,000 runner-up of the first-ever Blueberry Boost Accelerator Pitch Competition, held earlier this month at The Blueberry Convention 2025 in Seattle. The competition marked the finale of the Blueberry Boost Accelerator, a nine-week program developed by USHBC in partnership with innovation advisory firm VentureFuel to fuel forward-thinking product innovation and elevate blueberries as a hero ingredient across food, beverage and beyond.

    Through dedicated mentorship, strategic guidance and industry connections, the program equipped four startup brands and their founders with the insights, tools and network to accelerate commercialization and long-term growth. Mentors and speakers included experts from leading organizations across the blueberry and consumer packaged goods (CPG) industries.

    The four participants in the cohort and October 9 pitch competition were:Bonny (New York), a prebiotic fiber supplement powder; Farmer Bob’s “Beyond Berries™” (Salem, Ore.), an upcycled frozen berry product fused with dates; Pluff (Orlando, Fla.), a high-protein whipped mousse dessert; and Sorbatto’s“Blue Cream” (Wapato, Wash.), a dairy-free frozen dessert made from 75% highbush blueberries.

    Pitches were evaluated by a live panel of industry experts, including Kasey Cronquist, president, U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council; George Daines, director of sales and business development, Cultivate CPG; Amira Khatib, vice president, Bluestein Ventures; Jeff Malensky, president, Oregon Berry Packing Inc.; and Kellie Peaslee, supplier manager, KeHE Food Distributors.

    Pluff captured the judges’ attention with its whipped, mousse-style, blueberry-flavored dessert that delivers 20 grams of protein and just 4 grams of sugar per serving.

    “Being in this cohort really opened my eyes to different ways blueberries can be utilized, and I’m happy that I’m one of those innovators who can showcase the value that blueberries bring, especially in the protein and wellness product industry,” said founder Dylan Paul. “To be recognized as the grand prize winner is incredible. The $20,000 will put us in the right position to scale and get into retail, which is our number one goal in the next six to 12 months.”

    Bonny, runner-up and recipient of the $10,000 prize, uses blueberries as a natural flavoring agent in its prebiotic fiber powders.

    “Being part of this cohort opened my eyes to the innovation happening in the blueberry food product industry.  It’s amazing what people are doing with blueberries,” said Jessica Postiglione, founder and CEO. “It feels amazing to be runner-up for the pitch competition — this means so much for our business. The funds will go directly toward inventory, which is critical as we continue to grow.”

    In addition to pitching live, all four companies exhibited on The Blueberry Convention’s  Blueberry Row, sampling with attendees and connecting directly with blueberry growers, handlers, marketers and other industry stakeholders.

    “This program underscores the incredible innovation happening at the intersection of food, beverage and agriculture,” said USHBC’s Cronquist. “We extend our sincere congrats to these founders, who are reimagining what’s possible with blueberries — taking them from the fruit we all know and love to a true hero ingredient across categories. The Blueberry Convention provided an excellent forum for our industry to experience this innovation firsthand by engaging directly with these entrepreneurs, tasting their products and seeing their passion and creativity come alive on the main stage.”

    “Our winners — and the full cohort — demonstrate how creativity becomes commerce when startups and industry leaders collaborate,” said Fred Schonenberg, founder and CEO of VentureFuel. “Blueberries have become a launchpad for innovation — fueling new ideas, new products and new ways for consumers to experience this extraordinary fruit.” For more information on the program and this year’s winners, visit blueberryboostaccelerator.com.

    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, exporters and importers. USHBC is committed to providing blueberries that are grown, harvested, packed and shipped in clean, safe environments. Learn more at ushbc.blueberry.org and blueberry.org.

    About VentureFuel
    VentureFuel is an independent innovation advisory firm that helps the world’s best organizations commercialize innovation to ignite change by working with startups. Its innovation programs help enterprise organizations learn, test, build and invest in emerging technology to solve their biggest problems today and unlock new sources of growth. VentureFuel provides organizations like Hershey’s, Comcast, Dick’s Sporting Goods, AARP Foundation and the State of California the tools to drive transformative change with less risk, more speed, and greater proximity to the consumer than traditional innovation models. Learn more at venturefuel.net, LinkedIn, X, and Instagram, and listen to The VentureFuel Visionaries podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

  • 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.

  • Introducing Ag & Blueberry Trade 101 – A Four-Part Educational Series

    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.

    LEARN MORE & REGISTER

  • 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.

  • Innovative Startups Selected for Blueberry Boost Accelerator’s Inaugural Cohort

    The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC), in partnership with VentureFuel, have announced the four companies selected for the inaugural cohort of the Blueberry Boost Accelerator. Each startup was chosen by a selection panel of blueberry industry leaders for its bold use of blueberries in innovative products that span wellness, fun snacking formats and better-for-you indulgence — offering novel, exciting ways for consumers to enjoy blueberries.

    The Blueberry Boost Accelerator was launched earlier this year to fuel forward-thinking product innovation and elevate blueberries as a hero ingredient by supporting visionary startups. From functional nutrition to clean-label desserts, this inaugural cohort exemplifies the future of the power of blueberries.

    The 2025 Blueberry Boost Accelerator cohort includes:

    • Bonny Prebiotic Fiber Powder (New York, NY) — A clean-label, prebiotic fiber powder with a blueberry-infused flavor, designed to support gut health and make fiber fun, flavorful and functional.

    •Farmer Bob’s “Beyond Berries™” (Salem, OR) — A playful, frozen, nutrient-dense fruit snack made with upcycled blueberries and raspberries, and naturally sweet dates, reshaped into a new-to-market format that’s fun, naturally sweet and family-friendly.

    •Pluff (Orlando, FL) — A high-protein, mousse-style dessert launching with a “Berry Blast” flavor made with freeze-dried blueberries. Pluff delivers indulgent texture and functional nutrition in one high-protein, low-sugar bite.

    •Sorbatto’s “Blue Cream” (Wapato, WA) — A dairy-free, allergy-friendly frozen dessert made from 75% highbush blueberries. With no added sugar or water, Blue Cream offers a creamy, fruit-first alternative to traditional ice cream.

    Companies were evaluated across various criteria: volume potential and market relevance; unique value proposition and differentiation (including blueberry prominence); product marketability and PR potential; fundability and scale; and the strength of founding teams.

    “Whether eaten by the handful or in a favorite recipe, blueberries are a delicious and special staple – and we’ve known they have huge potential in ingredient innovation,” said USHBC President Kasey Cronquist. “This cohort of inventive entrepreneurial brands is demonstrating how blueberries can add great taste, excitement and wellness benefits to products across categories. We’re thrilled to be part of the promotion and continued growth of these innovators.”

    The cohort will now enter an nine-week accelerator sprint, receiving weekly one-on-one coaching from VentureFuel, expert sessions with industry leaders, peer roundtables and support with developing marketing materials, including a professionally produced commercial. The program will culminate in a live pitch competition at The Blueberry Convention in Seattle, Oct. 8-10, where the winning company will receive a $20,000 grand prize, and the runner-up will receive $10,000.

    “This cohort shows how startup-driven innovation can introduce blueberries to new consumers in exciting, unexpected ways,” said Fred Schonenberg, founder and CEO of VentureFuel. “These founders are creating products that deliver on what today’s shoppers crave — flavor, function and fun — while unlocking new paths to commercial scale that benefit the entire blueberry category.”

    To learn more about the Blueberry Boost Accelerator, visit blueberryboostaccelerator.com.

    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, exporters and importers. USHBC is committed to providing blueberries that are grown, harvested, packed and shipped in clean, safe environments. Learn more at ushbc.blueberry.org and blueberry.org.

    About VentureFuel
    VentureFuel is an independent innovation advisory firm that helps the world’s best organizations commercialize innovation to ignite change by working with startups. Its innovation programs help enterprise organizations learn, test, build and invest in emerging technology to solve their biggest problems today and unlock new sources of growth. VentureFuel provides organizations like Hershey’s, Comcast, Dick’s Sporting Goods, AARP Foundation and the State of California the tools to drive transformative change with less risk, more speed, and greater proximity to the consumer than traditional innovation models. Learn more at venturefuel.net, LinkedIn, X, and Instagram, and listen to The VentureFuel Visionaries podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

  • Blueberries GO BIG with New Consumer Marketing Campaign

    Blueberries have long been known and appreciated for their health benefits, and now it’s time to shine a spotlight on blueberries in a big way. The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) today announced the launch of an exciting marketing campaign with two new ads that celebrate how the small and simple blueberry packs huge benefits in each bite or handful. “Blueberries GO BIG” demonstrates an emotional connection to the fruit in two different but equally captivating scenarios, showcasing the big things that can happen when you grab a boost of blue.

    The two ads can be viewed on Youtube.com/@eatblueberries:

    •A Better Way – Up your “coolness” factor and shake up your post-workout recovery.

    •Next-Level Snacks – Blueberries come in clutch for your kid’s team at halftime.

    “Blueberries GO BIG” is debuting via a comprehensive paid media campaign directed to a targeted audience of 18 million blueberry consumers, which includes programmatic display, online video (OLV), audio, connected TV (CTV), paid social, paid search and more. A TikTok TopView campaign on July 29, reaching millions of users, showcases a thumb-stopping behind-the-scenes look at one of the ad’s big stunts. USHBC is also partnering with influencers to demonstrate how blueberries “go big” for content creators in their own ways.

    “Our new campaign illustrates the many benefits of blueberries, including health as foundational message, while also giving more air time to attributes like the great taste and easy-to-eat benefits that we know are important to our consumer but are not always focused on as much,” said Kevin Hamilton, USHBC vice president of global marketing and communications. “‘GO BIG’ helps us tell a story that connects to our consumer more emotionally, and highlights the better-for-you snacking opportunities around our fruit.”

    USHBC works to increase demand for blueberries across all channels through marketing promotions, research and resources, all while empowering the industry to make blueberries the world’s favorite fruit. Working with Schafer Condon Carter (SCC), USHBC’s partner agency for brand and consumer marketing, the GO BIG platform is the next phase in the continuous evolution of blueberries as a brand.

    To learn more about the strategy and work behind the campaign, as well as USHBC’s comprehensive marketing and promotions programming, blueberry industry stakeholders are invited to attend The Blueberry Convention, October 8-10, in Seattle.

    For more information, visit Blueberry.org or USHBC.Blueberry.org.

    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, exporters and importers. USHBC is committed to providing blueberries that are grown, harvested, packed and shipped in clean, safe environments. Learn more at ushbc.blueberry.org and blueberry.org.

  • First-Ever Blueberry Boost Accelerator Seeks Next Generation of Food and Consumer Product Innovation

    The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council(USHBC), in partnership with VentureFuel, today announced the launch of the Blueberry Boost Accelerator — a new program designed to discover and support emerging startups that are redefining the future of blueberries. Applications are now open and will be reviewed on a rolling basis through July 11, 2025, at 11:59 pm PT.

    The nine-week hybrid accelerator program will connect early-stage, revenue-generating companies of products using blueberries as a prominent ingredient with top blueberry, food and Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry leaders to fast-track growth through expert mentorship, tailored commercialization support and strategic guidance. Participants will receive professional brand assets like video commercials and sales materials; gain media exposure; and connect with buyers, investors and innovation leaders. Startups will refine their pitch with 1:1 support and showcase their product at The Blueberry Convention, Oct. 8-10 in Seattle, where the grand prize winner will receive $20,000 and the runner-up will win $10,000. To be eligible, companies must have a safe, working product prototype that has been reviewed under USDA oversight.

    “USHBC’s vision is to make blueberries the world’s favorite fruit by fueling demand through innovation, partnerships and research,” said Kasey Cronquist, president of USHBC. “Blueberries are packed with possibilities — from health and nutrition to snacking, culinary creativity, functional ingredients and beyond. This program is about uncovering the next generation of ideas that will help blueberries earn a larger role in consumers’ everyday lives.”

    The Blueberry Boost Accelerator is seeking startups of CPG products across a wide range of categories, including but not limited to:

    • Snacks
    • Frozen
    • Beverages (including alcoholic options)
    • Confectionery
    • Personal care items (e.g., skincare, cosmetics)
    • Wellness/performance
    • Ready-to-eat meals
    • Sauces and dressings
    • Pet products

    Interested entrepreneurs are invited to RSVP for a virtual information session on June 25 at 12 p.m. ET to learn more about the program, areas of interest and the application process.

    “Blueberries are beloved by consumers for their taste and health benefits, yet there is so much untapped potential when it comes to new formats, uses, and applications,” said Fred Schonenberg, founder and CEO of VentureFuel. “Our accelerator connects the best startups working with blueberries with industry leaders and commercial opportunities to fast-track their innovations and unlock new growth opportunities for the category.”

    The Blueberry Boost Accelerator underscores USHBC’s commitment to leadership in the food system through innovation. By investing in new ideas, technology and entrepreneurs, USHBC continues to unite stakeholders to strengthen the industry’s global competitiveness.

    For more information or to apply, visit blueberryboostaccelerator.com. For more resources on using blueberries as an ingredient or to find supplier, visit foodprofessionals.blueberry.org.

    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, exporters and importers. USHBC is committed to providing blueberries that are grown, harvested, packed and shipped in clean, safe environments. Learn more at ushbc.blueberry.org and blueberry.org.

    About VentureFuel
    VentureFuel is an independent innovation advisory firm that helps the world’s best organizations commercialize innovation to ignite change by working with startups. Its innovation programs help enterprise organizations learn, test, build and invest in emerging technology to solve their biggest problems today and unlock new sources of growth. VentureFuel provides organizations like Hershey’s, Comcast, Dick’s Sporting Goods, AARP Foundation and the State of California the tools to drive transformative change with less risk, more speed, and greater proximity to the consumer than traditional innovation models. Learn more at venturefuel.net, LinkedIn, X, and Instagram, and listen to The VentureFuel Visionaries podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

  • 2025 Blueberry MRL Memo and Guidance Now Available


    The 2025 International Blueberry Maximum Residue Levels (MRL) Memo and accompanying MRL Guidance is now available on the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) website for growers and exporters.

    The International Blueberry MRL Memo, prepared by USHBC partner Bryant Christie Inc., contains the following information:

    • Data from the U.S. Monitoring Residue Program and Pesticide Residue Screening Program in key markets.
    • Pesticides and markets for which available residue data suggests the possibility of MRL violations.
    • The MRL status of pesticides registered for use on blueberries in key markets.

    The memo is available in a PDF report organized per market and includes established MRLs, as well as an analysis of residue detections that could exceed the established MRL in that market. Additionally, the report is available in an excel spreadsheet organized by active ingredient.

    The 2025 MRL guidance and “stoplight” charts reflect the following changes since winter 2024:

    • Canada raised (harmonized) the MRL for sulfoxaflor (Transform) to 2 ppm from the default of 0.1 ppm.
    • The EU raised (harmonized) the MRL for mefentrifluconazole (Cevya) to 5 ppm  from 0.01 ppm.
    • The Japanese MRL for iprodione of 15 ppm expired and is now 0.01 ppm. The USHBC has received a grant to conduct field trials to collect residue data required to seek a higher MRL.
    • The Philippines raised the MRL for zeta-Cypermethrin (Mustang) from no existing MRL, to 1.5 ppm (Codex).
    • The U.S. set a tolerance of 1.5 ppm for flonicamid (Beleaf). Canada’s MRL is 1.5 ppm, the EU’s MRL is 0.8 ppm, and Korea’s MRL is 1 ppm.

    The stoplight guidance reflects the most cautious interpretations of the decline curve graphs that were generated in 2013-2015 for SWD insecticides; 2016-2018 for select fungicides; and 2021-2023 for insecticides, miticides and fungicides. This tool was developed to aid blueberry growers in selecting materials to manage key pests close to harvest with a particular export market in mind. Selected markets have been included, some of which have more restricted MRLs or tolerances than required by the U.S. for particular materials. The MRLs used to develop this tool are published at bcglobal.bryantchristie.com/db as of March 8, 2025.

    To access the updated Blueberry MRL Memo and Database and the 2025 Blueberry MRL Charts and accompanying guidance, please visit the Exporter Dashboard on the USHBC website.

    Acknowledgements

    This work was originally made possible through funding by a USDA Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops grant through the USHBC, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development through the Strategic Growth Initiative and MBG Marketing, Oregon Blueberry Commission, Washington Blueberry Commission, Washington State Commission on Pesticide Registration, WSDA Specialty Crop Grant from 2013 through 2015 and a donation from two Oregon blueberry growers. 

    The 2025 Blueberry MRL Guidance was funded by the North American Blueberry Council and the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, and prepared by Camille Holladay at Synergistic Pesticide Laboratory, LLC.

  • Industry Celebrates National Blueberry Month with The Great Blueberry Recipe Showdown

    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.