Uniting for Our Future: Vote ‘Yes’

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The USHBC continuance referendum, to be decided by eligible domestic producers and importers of highbush blueberries, will take place July 13-24, 2026. USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will conduct the vote by express mail and electronic ballot. 

Since 1965, the NABC has been the voice for our growers. In fact, we were instrumental in creating the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) to give our industry the research and promotional muscle it needs. Today, the NABC stands as the proud founding organization and steward of the USHBC, ensuring both groups work in lockstep to protect our growers’ bottom lines. With that in mind, the NABC Board of Directors is unanimously encouraging domestic growers and importers to vote “yes” in the upcoming referendum.

“USHBC exists because growers understood that no single farm, company or region could move the industry forward alone. It was built through grower leadership and continues to provide an equal and fair voice for growers throughout the industry. As our industry continues to evolve, the work of USHBC remains critical in driving demand, supporting research and helping ensure a strong future for blueberry growers for generations to come. That is why I will be voting “yes” on the referendum.”Shelly Hartmann, True Blue Farms, Michigan

“USHBC is the only organization capable of marketing blueberries at a scale that truly moves the needle on consumption. It does that through health-focused research and promotion, and it’s working. However, there is more work to be done to ensure a promising and profitable future for the industry. And that’s why I will vote ‘yes’ on the referendum in July.” – Brittany Lee, Florida Blue Farms, Florida

“When you look at the USHBC data, there’s still so much opportunity for us to grow demand for blueberries. Thanks to decades of USHBC marketing informed by health research, U.S. consumers know our product is good for them. The new “GO BIG” campaign is building from that health halo and focusing on what also makes our berries fun, craveable and shareable. Those are the attributes that will drive more repeat purchases. Through USHBC, we’ve got momentum and strategy on our side and so much potential to keep growing the category to benefit everyone in the blueberry business.” – Brian Bocock, President and CEO, MBG Marketing

2000

67.8%

Yes (ballots)
73.2% Yes (volume)
2006

86.9%

Yes (ballots)
93.9% Yes (volume)
2011

87.8%

Yes (ballots)
97.6% Yes (volume)
2016

73.7%

Yes (ballots)
80.4% Yes (volume)
2021

83.9%

Yes (ballots)
92.8% Yes (volume)