Topics in this issue of Blues Update:
- From the Chair: A Season of Gratitude
- Get Caught Up on Our Trade 101 Webinar Series
- Save the Date for The Blueberry Hill Climb and Industry Meetings
- Welcome Our New NABC Members!
From the Chair: A Season of Gratitude
By Teddy Koukoulis
NABC Chair
With Thanksgiving just around the corner and the time for gathering with family and friends here, I’ve been taking stock of the past year. One of the things I’m most thankful for is the support and dedication of so many in our blueberry community.
No matter the challenges we faced, we were able to collaborate and keep the long-term health of the industry front of mind.
I’m also grateful for the dozens of new members who have joined NABC, the many ways we’ve made our voices heard in Washington, D.C., and all the ways we’re navigating today’s challenges to ensure a successful future.
As we head into Thanksgiving, I hope you, too, will take a few minutes to pause and reflect on our many successes. Like me, I’ll think you’ll feel fortunate to be part of our great industry.
Get Caught Up on Our Trade 101 Webinar Series
Over the last few months, NABC and the USHBC, in partnership with the Ag Trade Education Council, have been hosting the Trade 101 webinar series – a four-part series designed to deepen your understanding of U.S. trade policy and its impact on agriculture, particularly the blueberry industry.
There’s still time to register for the last session in the series on Dec. 9, and to get caught up on prior sessions by watching the recordings.
Each one-hour workshop will advance your knowledge on trade policy history, recent trade developments, and blueberry imports and exports.
- Part 1 (Sept. 29): Explore why trade matters to U.S. agriculture and trace the history of trade law and policy from the nation’s founding through 2015. Watch the recording and view the slide deck today.
- Part 2 (Oct. 14): Examine key developments in U.S. trade during the different administrations, with a focus on policy shifts and priorities. Watch the recording and slide deck now.
- Part 3 (Nov. 13): Learn about this year’s trade developments. Watch the recording and view the slide deck.
- Part 4 (Dec. 9): Take a deep dive into how global trade has changed the U.S. blueberry industry, looking at the history, legal challenges and current landscape of blueberry imports and exports.
Trade can be complex — but with the right guidance, we can all gain the clarity needed to navigate it more effectively. Register for our final session today.
Save the Date for The Blueberry Hill Climb and Industry Meetings
Mark your calendar to attend 2026 Blueberry Hill Climb and Industry Meetings, March 2-6 in Washington, D.C. Registration opens soon!
The Blueberry Hill Climb is your opportunity to meet with members of Congress and other policymakers about important issues affecting the blueberry industry. We’ll give you all the tips and messaging you need to help us advocate for Ag workforce and H-2A reform; Farm Bill programs, including improvements to disaster assistance programs and risk management tools; and federal nutrition programs that can drive greater blueberry consumption – all things growers need to remain successful and competitive.
This is also a great opportunity to participate in committee meetings, network with your peers and learn from engaging speakers.
Want to be front and center with blueberry industry decision-makers attending the hill climb and meetings? Reach out to Mandy Boarman for more information on sponsorship opportunities.
Welcome Our New NABC Members!
Word keeps spreading about the importance and value of NABC membership! This month, we’re excited to welcome the following new members:
- WADO Partners
- Peter Oudemans, Rutgers University
Know someone who would benefit from being a member? Invite them to join NABC today!