Topics in this issue of Behind the Blue:
- 2024 Export Market Registration Deadline Approaching
- USDA Hosts Regional Agricultural Promotion Program Webinar
- Blueberries in the News
- Thank You for Participating in the USHBC Survey
2024 Export Market Registration Deadline Approaching
For companies planning to export to Vietnam, the Philippines, China and Chile in 2024, it’s time to register your packing facility!
Please complete this form to submit or update your facility registration information with USHBC. Registration is required annually and closes on Friday, Dec. 22. If you register a new facility, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will contact you to confirm approval.
For specific questions, please contact Renata Dalton, USHBC director of global business development, at [email protected].
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.
USDA Hosts Regional Agricultural Promotion Program Webinar
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced last week the Notice of Funding Opportunity for the first tranche of funding under the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) new Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP). USDA is providing up to $300 million in funding in its first year to support eligible projects that enable exporters to break into new markets and increase market share in growth markets.
RAPP funds are available to nonprofit U.S. agricultural trade organizations; nonprofit State Regional Trade Groups (SRTGs); U.S. agricultural cooperatives; and state agencies that conduct approved market development activities to foster expanded exports and market diversification by encouraging the development, maintenance and expansion of diverse commercial export markets for U.S. agricultural commodities and products.
RAPP awards are generally granted for a period of performance of five years, with an expected period of performance starting June 1, 2024, and ending on September 30, 2029.
Applications are due by 5 p.m. ET on Feb. 2, 2024. Additional information on RAPP is available at grants.gov.
FAS will conduct a webinar on Thursday, December 7, from 3-4:30 pm ET to discuss the RAPP program and application details.
Blueberries in the News
Check out this article in Forbes highlighting blueberries as a superfood consumers should add to their diet.
Thank You for Participating in the USHBC Survey
Thank you to all who participated in the 2023 USHBC Industry Survey! Your answers are critical to shaping our work on behalf of the industry. We’re thrilled to announce that our survey contest winner is Brittany Lee from Florida. Congratulations, Brittany!