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Volunteer Leadership

Join us in inspiring an industry! We invite you to take a more active role in USHBC by joining a committee and getting involved at the state or national level.

Get Involved

The blueberry industry has come a long way since its initial wave of growing awareness in the late 1990s and early 2000s. But to truly unlock our potential, we must embrace the next era – an era of bold ideas, strategic collaboration and forward-thinking innovation.

The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) invites you to be part of this movement. One of the most impactful ways to contribute is by volunteering for a USHBC committee, task force or subcommittee. These groups play a critical role in guiding our work in areas like promotions, health research, innovation and industry engagement. Your insight and expertise help shape the decisions that move the blueberry industry forward.

Whether you’re a grower, marketer, researcher or supply chain partner, there’s a place for you to make a difference!

Committees
and Subcommittees

  • Finance Committee
  • Industry Engagement Committee
  • Promotion Committee
  • Foodservice Subcommittee
  • Retail Subcommittee
  • Food Manufacturing Subcommittee

Advisory Boards

  • Health Research Advisory Board
  • Global Business Development Advisory Board

BerrySmart Task Forces

  • Insights Task Force
  • Technology Task Force
  • Food Safety Task Force
  • Sustainability Task Force

Each group focuses on key priorities – from financial oversight and promotion strategies to global development, health research, technology, food safety and sustainability. You can see a list of group descriptions and current volunteers here.

Together, we’ll continue to successfully:

Drive demand for and increase the value of blueberries in the U.S. and globally.

Fund and publicize scientific research on the health benefits of blueberries.

Engage industry stakeholders to create opportunities for collaboration and innovation.

Current Committee Members

Current State and Regional Representatives

Election and Forms

USHBC elections for State (CA, FL, GA, MI, NC, NJ, OR and WA), Regional #1 (West), Regional #2 (Midwest), Regional #3 (Northeast) and Regional #4 (South), Public, Importer and Exporter Members, and Alternates are divided and held in two separate years. The election of Regional Members, Importer #1, Exporter #1 (Chile), Exporter #3 (Peru), Exporter #4 (Mexico) and Public Member take place in one year, and the election of State Representatives, Exporter #2 (Canada), Importers #2, #3 and #4 take place the following year.

Candidates who are nominated during a USHBC election year can learn about the process and download nomination forms here:

Industry Member – Background

State Nomination Form – Florida

Industry Nomination Memo for USHBC State Positions

Importer & Exporter Nomination Form

Importer & Exporter Nomination Industry Memo

How to Get Involved 

Each year, we launch our call for volunteers in the fall – but you don’t have to wait to get involved. We accept expressions of interest year-round, and opportunities to serve often arise throughout the year.

Not ready to volunteer just yet? All USHBC meetings are open to the public, and you’re welcome to listen in anytime. It’s a great way to learn more about our programs, priorities and the impact we’re making together. Check out our upcoming meetings, then join us!

Apply Now
We need more participation and other leaders in this industry.
Ken Patterson
Owner of Island Grove Ag Products