In this issue:
- From the Chair: Here’s to a Joyful Season and a Fruitful 2025
- NABC/USHBC Delegation Visits Chilean Growing Regions
- Happy Holidays from the NABC
From the Chair: Here’s to a Joyful Season and a Fruitful 2025
By Pat Goin
NABC Chair
As 2024 winds down, I want to express my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to each and every one of you for your incredible support of the NABC this year. Your commitment to our mission has been instrumental in the continued success and growth of our organization.
At the same time, I’m excited about all we will accomplish together in 2025, starting with our first event of the year, the Blueberry Hill Climb & Industry Meetings in Alexandria, Virginia. As an NABC member, you play a vital role in representing the blueberry industry, influencing policy and building valuable connections. Your dedication and engagement make a lasting impact, and I am so grateful for everything you do.
Here’s a look back at all we accomplished in 2024 – thanks to your amazing support …
And here’s to a fruitful 2025!
Wishing you and your families a joy-filled and peaceful holiday season.
NABC/USHBC Delegation Visits Chilean Growing Regions
A delegation of NABC and USHBC team members and blueberry industry leaders recently traveled to Chile to explore the country’s blueberry growing regions as part of Destination Chile.
NABC/USHBC President Kasey Cronquist, NABC Director of Government Affairs Alyssa Houtby and NABC/USHBC Vice President of Engagement and Education Amanda Griffin were joined by NABC Chair Pat Goin and her husband, Kevin, Bryan Sakuma, Tom Avinelis, Christy Butler, Robert Kreofsky and Zach Semerikov.
The delegation traveled to the city of Chillán in central Chile and visited Fall Creek Nursery; the Los Angeles area for orchard and packing tours of Hortifrut Virquenco and Volcan Foods; and the Angol area to visit Frusan Angol. Along the way, they got to know fellow blueberry experts and learned about the future of the Chilean blueberry industry.
Chile has planted over 44,000 acres of highbush blueberries and is committed to finding new and better varieties.
A special thank you to Andres Armstrong and the Chilean Blueberry Committee for their hospitality and support in organizing the trip!
Go Blueberries! 🫐🫐
Happy Holidays from the NABC Team!
At this magical time of the year, our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have supported our success – people like you! Thank you for your ongoing dedication to NABC, and best wishes for a joyful season spent with family and friends. From our blueberry family to yours, may health, peace, happiness and inspiring possibilities be yours today and throughout 2025!
With sincere gratitude,
The NABC team!
