California Fruit and Vegetable

Tag: USHBC

  • Blueberry Council Receives Foreign Registration in China

    The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) recently received approval from the Chinese government for its registration as a Foreign Nongovernmental Organization (FNGO).

    When USHBC initially launched its China program, we immediately began seeking this registration to comply with the “Law on Administration of Activities of Overseas Nongovernmental Organizations in the Mainland of China,” which was implemented by the Chinese government in 2017. USHBC’s registration approval comes after working with the U.S. State Department, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Washington, D.C., and the Shanghai Public Security Bureau for more than a year-and-a-half to authenticate and submit all necessary documentation.

    By completing its FNGO registration, USHBC is now officially approved to conduct marketing activities in China. This milestone is an important step in USHBC’s China program development, and will allow us to ramp up promotional activities in the country. USHBC is excited about this next step in its China program and seeing how the market continues to develop for the industry. — U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council

  • Establishing Residue Decline Curves for Pesticides in Blueberries

    The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) has collaborated with Oregon State University, Michigan State University, Ag Metrics Group and Synergistic Pesticide Laboratory, LLC to establish residue decline curves for pesticides that have no established Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) and MRLs that are lower than U.S. tolerances.

    The objective was to investigate the residual level of multiple pesticides at different consequential timings after application on blueberry, thus understanding their degradation ratio and speed for better application/harvesting strategies. These findings would in turn allow for the development of low residue programs that meet the low MRL standards.

    Specifically, research entities have applied 18 insecticides and 15 fungicides on highbush blueberries for three years in five growing sites (to account for variation in climate, varietals, and pest and disease vulnerability). Research entities sent samples to Synergistic Pesticide Laboratory LLC for chemical residue extraction and analysis over the span of three years.

    As a result of this research study, several insecticides and fungicides can be applied to blueberries for export markets that could not have been used previously. Read the full report and in-depth findings on each pesticide here. — By the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council

  • US Blueberry Impact Report Highlights Industry Growth, Innovation

    The U.S. Blueberry Council (USHBC) has released its 2021 Impact Report that details last year’s efforts across all program areas in working toward the USHBC’s vision to make blueberries the world’s favorite fruit.

    Guided by the 2021-2025 strategic plan, USHBC recaps 2021 progress and achievements in consumer promotions, health research, foodservice, industry relations, export and food manufacturing, and annual meetings taking place in the spring and fall. An overview of the organization, its committees, staff and financials is also included.

    “Last year marked a pivotal point in time for our organization in our journey to drive the next ‘blue wave’ of growth and innovation in the blueberry industry,” said USHBC President Kasey Cronquist. “We launched Grab a Boost of Blue, our inspirational consumer call to action that’s resonating with shoppers and retailers, and being championed by industry marketers and stakeholders. Data and insights took center stage thanks to a host of new resources in our data center. And most importantly, the blueberry industry overwhelmingly recommitted to the USHBC with the passage of a referendum supporting the council’s work. With stakeholder support and involvement, we’ll continue to inspire possibilities and drive demand for our blueberry industry.”

    USHBC’s strategic plan, also developed in 2021, addresses the organization’s pillars of focus and the long-term tactics being implemented to drive domestic household penetration and demand for blueberries worldwide. View the full report HERE.

    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.

  • Women in Blueberries Webinar Series

    For women in agriculture, creating a supportive network can be one of the most important factors for career success. Fortunately, in the blueberry industry, we’re surrounded by women who are making an impact! Register for the first session of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council’s (USHBC) new webinar series, Women in Blueberries: The Power of Supportive Women’s Networks, on July 13 from 2-3:30 p.m. ET/11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. PT.
    This webinar will examine the power of bringing women along on your career journey, and how to be more mindful in supporting women who inspire you. During the webinar, you’ll also interact with the other participants in breakout sessions curated by USHBC. Be part of the solution by joining the discussion!
    This opportunity is limited to 100 participants so register today!

  • New York City Event to Kick Off National Blueberry Month

    To kick off National Blueberry Month and announce the Grab A Boost, Give A Boost Challenge with No Kid Hungry, the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) is hosting a media event in New York City on June 28. Our team will create a blueberry garden oasis in the heart of New York at Gallow Green in The McKittrick Hotel, best known for its interactive theater experience at the base of the Chelsea Highline. We’ll host a grower showcase farm stand, design a series of immersive visuals at the theater to showcase our influencers, and build an installation that supports our partnership with No Kid Hungry.

    Plus, fitness expert Joey Thurman will conduct demonstrations and speak about the benefits of blueberries when it comes to living an active lifestyle. Wellness and nutrition expert Mascha Davis will conduct yoga and meditation demonstrations, as well as talks on intuitive eating. As registered dietitian, Davis will also speak to the many health and lifestyle benefits of blueberries. Both experts will help shape and drive media coverage and stories about blueberries following the event.

    A final send off at the end of the evening will officially kick off National Blueberry Month and our 31-Day Challenge with No Kid Hungry, and introduce our celebrity spokesperson. A photographer will document the event, capturing guests interacting with blueberry-related experiences. A post-event sizzle reel will be created for sharing with the industry, on social media and more.

  • California Represented in First-Ever National Blueberry Industry Leadership Program

    The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) announced the first cohort of fellows accepted into its Blueberry Industry Leadership Program. The program, launched in March, is designed to elevate up-and-coming leaders in the blueberry industry by providing in-depth training, industry education and connection to other ag leaders for passionate blueberry professionals across the supply chain.

    “We’re thrilled to welcome this group of leaders as our inaugural class of fellows,” said Amanda Griffin, USHBC’s vice president of engagement and education. “These ag professionals will guide the blueberry industry into a bright future, and we can’t wait to be a part of their journey by helping to add to their knowledge, experience and level of connection.”

    Selected as inaugural fellows in the program are:
    • Christina Butler, Director of NW and NJ Business Units, MBG Marketing
    • Gonzalo de Elizalde, Blueberry Product Leadership Sr. Director, Driscoll’s
    • Ernesto Diaz, Director of Operations, Berry Brothers
    • Anna Jesse, Vice President, Forest Hills Farms Inc.
    • Karan Kohli, Account Manager, Mastronardi Produce
    • Scott Mainord, SE Regional Sales Manager, WECO
    • Luke McCreesh, N.A. Blueberry Operations Manager, California Giant Berry Farms 
    • Jennifer Pulcipher, Director of Food Safety & Compliance, North Bay Produce Inc.
    • Darren Sinn, Northwest Business Manager, Berry Fresh LLC
    • Micah Weiss, Sales and Grower Support, Fall Creek Farm & Nursery Inc.

    The Blueberry Industry Leadership Program is the first of its kind in the blueberry industry and will help fellows grow their leadership skill set, learn from decades-long industry leaders and develop their network of connections. Professional development within the industry is a priority as members of the blueberry industry work together to make blueberries the No. 1 berry in sales volume and premium value. Fellows in the new program will lead the industry into its next period of growth.

    The fellows will begin their training this summer and continue through next year, taking an interactive approach to leadership development through hands-on training, immersive learning experiences, engagement with key industry players and exposure to the many components of the produce supply chain.

    Fellows will participate both virtually and in person, traveling four times over the course of the curriculum through August 2023, with a graduation ceremony taking place at the 2023 USHBC fall meetings.

    The second group of fellows to enter the program will be selected in the fall of 2023.

  • Joe Vargas Joins USHBC and NABC as First-Ever Director of Business Intelligence

    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.”

  • Blueberry Industry’s Kasey Cronquist Named NAMA Ag Association Leader of the Year

    Kasey Cronquist, president of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC), has been named the National Agri-Marketing Association’s (NAMA) Ag Association Leader of the Year for 2022. Cronquist was recognized at an awards ceremony April 7 at the 2022 Agri-Marketing Conference in Kansas City.

    The award, one of NAMA’s highest honors, recognizes outstanding leadership, achievement and excellence among senior executives who have made significant contributions to the agriculture industry in their roles with associations or commodity organizations.

    “With more than 15 years’ experience with government, association, and non-profits, Kasey was named president of the North American Blueberry Council and the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council in 2019. It was the perfect place and time,” said Jenny Pickett, NAMA CEO. “Long-term, strategic vision is Kasey’s strength. And while the industry was riding high, new challenges demanded a bold, new vision to ensure continued growth.”

    Soon after taking the helm in 2019, Cronquist led the organization through a strategic refresh, followed by development of a new strategic plan, with a refined vision, mission and plan to make blueberries the world’s favorite fruit. Cronquist recognized the importance of fostering greater collaboration among all industry stakeholders and the need to unite to address challenges and opportunities that will take USHBC programs to the next level. The industry’s support of the changes and vision for the future were reflected in the results of the 2021 referendum. Of those who voted, 84% of producers and importers, who also represent 93% of the volume of highbush blueberries grown, were in favor of continuing the program. This represents a 10% increase in producers and importers (and 13% more volume), of those who voted in favor of USHBC in 2016.

    In 2020, USHBC launched a new overarching brand theme of Inspiring Possibilities for the industry, as well as Grab a Boost of Blue as a motivating call-to-action for consumers. Additionally, the USA Blueberriesexport brand was created to raise awareness of the quality and food safety assurance of U.S. grown blueberries. In June 2020, Cronquist initiated “The Business of Blueberries,” an industry podcast currently surpassing 35,000 downloads.

    In his short time with the organization, Cronquist has built a staff of longtime ag experts to execute the organization’s strategic plan; expanded the NABC and USHBC’s programs through voluntary funding; and led the USHBC through pandemic challenges, including labor and supply chain issues.

    “Kasey has made a tremendous impact helping the blueberry industry thrive and leading the USHBC into an exciting and successful future,” said USHBC Chair Shelly Hartmann. “His efforts have impressed blueberry growers, marketers, exporters and industry allies alike, and have become the guiding force in making blueberries the world’s favorite fruit.”

    Cronquist is also the president of the North American Blueberry Council; a member of the United Fresh Governmental Affairs Council and the International Blueberry Organization (IBO); He was previously the CEO and ambassador of the California Cut Flower Commission.

    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.blueberry.org.

  • U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council Seeks Nominees for Importer 2, 3, 4 and Exporter 2, 3, 4 Positions

    The USHBC Industry Relations Committee is seeking nominees to be considered for USHBC Importer #2, #3, & #4, Exporter #2 (Canada), Exporter #3 (Peru), and Exporter #4 (Mexico) positions on the Council. Nominees are being sought for the three-year term, except for Exporter #3 & #4 whose initial term is 2 years, that begins January 1, 2023.

    The committee plans to present a slate of potential nominees to the USHBC Executive Committee for consideration by July 31, 2022. The Council will then make final candidate selections at the next USHBC Meeting. At this meeting, the Council will recommend to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture a final candidate for three importer members and alternates, and three exporter members and alternates, along with two additional candidates for each of these six positions, for consideration by the Secretary for final appointments.

    Blueberry industry members interested in being considered for the USHBC Importer #2, #3, #4 or Exporter #2 (Canada) Member and Alternate positions are asked to complete a USHBC Importer/Exporter Nominee Application and send their completed application to the USHBC via fax at (916) 983-9022 or email to elections@blueberry.org no later than Friday, April 29, 2022.

    The USHBC has adopted a diversity outreach plan to attempt to achieve a diverse representation on the council. USHBC programs and meetings are open to all individuals. The USHBC prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, genetic information, parental status and marital or family status. It is USHBC policy that membership on the council and its committees reflect the diversity of individuals served by its programs. To accomplish this objective, the USHBC will strive to attain representation of growers and other industry participants from diverse backgrounds on the council and USHBC committees. To this end, the USHBC strongly encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to seek nominations to the USHBC and to participate in council and USHBC committee activities.

    Producers and importers of highbush blueberries approved the establishment of the USHBC through a referendum conducted by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service in 2000. The USHBC was formally established in August 2000. The program is funded by an assessment of $18 per ton on domestic highbush blueberries, and $18 per ton on fresh and processed imported highbush blueberries. Market promotion activities funded through the USHBC began in January 2002.

    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.

  • New Research Findings: The Heart Loves Blueberries

    A new study published in Clinical Nutrition and supported by the US Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) found that the equivalent of one cup of fresh blueberries, consumed as 26 g of freeze-dried blueberries, may reduce the acute cardiometabolic burden of energy-dense meals. Or, simply put: The new research further supports that blueberries may benefit heart health.

    As part of USHBC’s programming engaging health professionals, the study findings will be leveraged to promote blueberries as part of a healthy diet, continuing to boost  blueberries’ health halo to drive demand.

    “This is the first study of its kind conducted in an at-risk population, adults with metabolic syndrome, a condition affecting nearly 40% of Americans and one in four adults in the UK,” said Aedin Cassidy, Ph.D., chair of nutrition and preventive medicine, and director of the Interdisciplinary Research Institute for Global Food Security at Queen’s University, Belfast, and the study’s lead investigator.

    Learn more about the study here. For more information on how USHBC is working with health professionals, and to access resources to leverage with your own health influencers or audiences, visit healthprofessionals.blueberry.org.