Back to Newsroom
FOLSOM, CA., Aug. 21, 2026 –The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced today that a majority of eligible blueberry growers and importers voted in favor of continuing the work of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC). The industry created USHBC 26 years ago to give more U.S. consumers more reasons to buy more blueberries, to expand demand for U.S. blueberries in global markets and to provide services that equip all in the sector for success.
“When the industry comes together, we make bigger opportunities possible for everyone to build the business, life and legacy they want and I’m thrilled the work of USHBC will continue,” said Ellie Norris, an Oregon blueberry grower and chair of the USHBC. “No other organization can do for the industry what USHBC can do, especially when it comes to driving category growth.”
The USDA requires USHBC to hold a referendum every five years, and Norris said she and the rest of the board worked closely with staff to ensure eligible voters were well-informed about the past, current and planned efforts and progress made by the industry-led body.
“We have momentum on our side. Thanks to decades of USHBC marketing informed by health research, U.S. consumers know blueberries are good for them and now they want and expect them year-round.” said Norris. “That said, I recognize not everyone voted ‘yes,’ and I hope those who have different perspectives or new ideas will become more involved in USHBC moving forward. Diverse perspectives are welcome and can make us stronger.”
According to AMS, 58% of producers and importers representing 84% of the volume of blueberries grown, were in favor of continuing the program.
“I’m excited about what’s next because the work of USHBC has never been more important than it is today,” said Brittany Lee, a Florida grower and USHBC vice chair. “The marketplace is certainly filled with pressures, including growing supply, but it’s also filled with promise and there is plenty of room to create more demand.”
USHBC’s 2026 Blueberry Convention will take place in Monterey, California, Sept. 22-25, and registration remains open for all in the industry.
“It’s a place to find helpful information, share and discuss future plans and make meaningful connections” said USHBC President Kasey Cronquist. “I hope growers, marketers, suppliers and everyone with an interest in the future success of the industry can join us, because we’ve got more work to do.“
For more information about the USHBC, visit ushbc.blueberry.org.
# # #
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, exporters 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 and blueberry.org
Link copied to clipboard
