September 23, 2020

The Birthplace of Blueberries with Denny Doyle

Since the inception of U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC), Denny Doyle has been a leader in the organization and the voice of New Jersey blueberry growers. Having been involved with the industry for decades, he’s seen it all. In this episode, Doyle helps us explore the history of blueberries in New Jersey and North America, from the renowned Elizabeth White to the formation of the North American Blueberry Council (NABC).

Host Kasey Cronquist, president of USHBC and NABC, is joined by Denny Doyle, blueberry grower from New Jersey and the president of the New Jersey Blueberry Industry Advisory Council.

“We had problems back then too … through communication and working with each other, we came up with solutions to move forward.” – Denny Doyle

“There was not even a blueberry sold in California in 1973 … through the development of NABC, our industry started to expand. There was more awareness not only to consumers, but there was also awareness to other growing regions.” – Denny Doyle

This episode features a conversation with Doyle on the long, rich history of blueberries in North America and New Jersey.

Topics include: 

  • Doyle’s involvement on the USHBC Good Practices Committee.
  • The beginnings of the blueberry industry in New Jersey.
  • Elizabeth White and the True Blue Co-op.
  • How NABC expedited growth in the ‘70s.
  • Lessons for new growers to take from the development of NABC.

Crop Report – September 23, 2020 

The Blueberry Crop Report is an update on crop conditions and markets throughout North America. In this episode, you’ll hear from Mark Hurst from Oregon and Bryan Sakuma from Washington. This was recorded on September 23, 2020.