Investing in Our Future
“As a longtime blueberry grower and USHBC council member, I continue to be concerned as I watch supply outpace consumer demand for our fruit. Today, we’ve reached a critical juncture as U.S. and global production continues to increase without matching increased demand.
That’s what led to the council’s establishment of a steering committee to explore a potential assessment increase. I know this is a significant decision, and one that has raised a lot of thoughts, feelings and questions.
With this in mind, I asked staff to develop this webpage that provides the most accurate and up-to-date information on the process and progress of this exploratory effort. I believe the resources found here will provide insight into our rationale and answer many of your questions.
You can also read my recent message to the industry here.
Once again, thank you for your dedication to this industry and for your commitment to helping us chart a path forward for the future of blueberries.”
Bryan Sakuma, USHBC Chair
Assessment Steering Committee
Tom Bodtke, Chair, Michigan
Denny Vander Kooi, Vice Chair, Michigan
Gunnar Avinelis, California
Shelly Hartmann, Michigan
Brittany Lee, Florida
Jody McPherson, North Carolina
Ellie Norris, Oregon
Brandon Wade, Georgia
Brad Moorer, MBG, North American distributor
Luis Miguel Vegas, Peru
Rodrigo Aceves, Mexico
Andres Armstrong, Chile
Paul Sangha, Canada
Assessment Resources
You can learn more about the proposed assessment changes and get answers to your questions with these resources:
- USHBC Assessment FAQs
- Dr. Harry Kaiser Report: “The Impact of Alternative Assessment Levels by the USHBC on the Grower Blueberry Price”
- Dr. Harry Kaiser Report: “An Economic Analysis of Domestic Market Impacts of the USHBC”
- “Blueberries at the Crossroads” report, September 2024
- “Navigating the Industry’s Crossroad: Matching Our Means to Our Dreams” podcast episode
- “Uniting for Our Future” column by USHBC Chair Bryan Sakuma
- Assessment Steering Committee meeting minutes