Blueberry Industry Leadership Program

USHBC brings together rising professionals across the blueberry supply chain to empower the next generation of industry leaders.

Leadership Starts Here

The Blueberry Industry Leadership Program, launched in March 2021, 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.

PAST PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS

What fellows will experience and learn:

Immersive personalized leadership training.

Knowledge sharing from industry veterans and thought-leaders.

Innovation and technology deep‑dive.

Impacts of advancements in health and nutrition.

Presentation and media training.

How to build business relationships and activate your network.

Camaraderie among fellows to create a lifelong support network.

Is This Program Right for Me?

The best candidates for the Blueberry Industry Leadership Program are passionate individuals who want to take an active role in leading the next era of growth for blueberries. Growers (domestic and international), processors, handlers, exporters and buyers are eligible to apply.

Evaluation Criteria 

Demonstration of leadership potential.
Passion and commitment to the success of the blueberry industry.
Career relevance to the blueberry industry.
Professional credentials.
Letters of recommendation.

Selection Process 

Application Process for Class 5 will be open in September 2027.
The Selection Committee plans to select fellows by spring 2028.

The selection of applicants is the sole responsibility of the USHBC Industry Leadership Program Selection Committee, which is composed of USHBC board and committee members or other volunteering blueberry industry stakeholders. While USHBC staff have a role in facilitating the review of applicants, the selection committee will ultimately select program fellows.

Program Commitment

Participation in the USHBC Blueberry Industry Leadership Program requires significant commitment by selected candidates and their employers.

Employer/ employee commitment

Program fee

Attendance and participation

Program Schedule:

The program schedule is tentative and subject to slight adjustments. Please note both virtual and in-person dates and timing.

In-Person Class Trip Dates*

October 2026
TBD 2026
TBD 2027
TBD 2027
October 2027 – Graduation!

*5 trips.

Virtual Engagement Sessions* 

2026: 5 sessions TBD
2027: 5 sessions TBD

* 10 sessions.

In addition to participating in the schedule, program fellows will complete a capstone project that addresses an important blueberry industry issue of their choosing. Following the program kickoff, topics must be submitted for approval by the selection committee.