FOLSOM, Calif., Jan. 15, 2026 – The North American Blueberry Council (NABC) joined dozens of agriculture organizations today to urge Congress to address the economic crisis facing American farmers, with blueberry growers among those experiencing acute financial strain due to rising labor and input costs. The letter, signed by a broad coalition representing both commodity and specialty crop agriculture, highlights the urgent need for immediate economic relief to ensure the continued viability of U.S. farming operations.
“America’s farmers, ranchers and growers are facing extreme economic pressures that threaten the long-term viability of the U.S. agriculture sector,” the letter states. “An alarming number of farmers are financially underwater.”
For blueberry growers, these pressures have been building for several years. Record-high input costs, including labor, fertilizer, fuel, packaging and transportation, have pushed many operations into negative margins. According to a study by Michigan State University, the average blueberry grower is operating at an economic breakeven.
The letter expresses appreciation for recent investments by Congress and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in agricultural support. However, it emphasizes that these efforts have not been sufficient to offset the magnitude of losses facing both commodity and specialty crop producers. The letter urges Congress to provide immediate economic assistance to close the remaining gap, while continuing to pursue long-term policies that strengthen domestic demand for U.S.-grown agricultural products.
NABC appreciates that lawmakers on both sides of the aisle recognize the seriousness of the economic challenges facing family farms and specialty crop growers. Today’s letter emphasizes that action by Congress is critical to stabilizing the farm economy and preserving a reliable domestic supply of blueberries for American consumers.
Read the letter here.
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About the North American Blueberry Council
Since 1965, the North American Blueberry Council (NABC) has been the voice of the blueberry industry in the U.S. and Canada. NABC’s members represent approximately 70% of the North American highbush blueberry crop. NABC was instrumental in the establishment of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC), a federal agriculture research and promotion program with independent oversight from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Learn more at nabcblues.org.