In this issue:
- From the Chair: Let’s Keep the Momentum Going!
- NABC Delegation Attends Presidential Inauguration
- USDA Issues New Solicitation for Frozen Blueberries
- NABC Supports Nomination of Chavez-DeRemer as DOL Leader
- NABC Supports Brooke Rollins for USDA Secretary
- NABC Submits Comments on Heat Illness Rule
- AgNet News Hour Spotlight
- Blueberry Hill Climb Reminder
- Welcome New NABC Members
- We Can Help Promote Your Industry Event!
From the Chair: Let’s Keep the Momentum Going!
By Teddy Koukoulis
NABC Chair
As the operator of a 150-acre blueberry farm in Florida and a veteran produce marketer, it’s my honor to begin my role as the new chair of the NABC. Today, the council is more prepared than ever to serve our members and advocate for the needs of the blueberry industry.
Which means we have a lot of momentum behind us, and a clear path to meeting our upcoming goals. And I can’t wait to get started!
One way you can help keep the momentum going is by joining us at The Blueberry Hill Climb and Industry Meetings, March 24-28 in Alexandria, Virginia. The NABC governance team will be sure you have the training and resources you need to advocate for the blueberry industry’s needs with policymakers and the new administration, and your participation will go a long way toward helping us drive the success of the blueberry industry.
Please give serious consideration to participating.
Finally, please join me in thanking immediate past chair Pat Goin for her extraordinary service to the NABC. We would not be as prepared or as strong without Pat’s hard work and dedication. Thank you, Pat!
NABC Delegation Attends Presidential Inauguration, Sponsors ‘Ag Ball’
For the first time in the organization’s history, NABC sent a delegation to the presidential inauguration and sponsored the Bipartisan Inaugural Ball Celebrating American Agriculture. NABC’s presence at the “ag ball” helps cement the council as an influential voice on behalf of the blueberry industry in Washington, D.C.
Representing NABC at the ball were Chair Teddy Koukoulis, Vice Chair and Government Affairs Committee Chair Ellie Norris, Secretary Chelsea Consalo and Government Affairs Director Alyssa Houtby.
The sold-out, black-tie ball raised money for the D.C. Central Kitchen and the National 4-H Council, and attracted hundreds of food and ag industry leaders and officials.
Policymakers and ag luminaries who attended included House Ag Chair G.T. Thompson (R-Pa.) and ranking member Angie Craig (D-Minn.); Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.); Brooke Rollins, USDA secretary nominee; USDA deputy secretary nominee Stephen Vaden; and former Trump ag official Kip Tom. House Ag members Nikki Budzinski (D-Ill.), Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.), Adam Gray (D-Calif.), Tracey Mann (R-Kan.), Zach Nunn (R-Iowa) and Monica De La Cruz (R-Texas), and Senate Ag Republican Roger Marshall (Kan.), also attended.
USDA Issues New Solicitation for Frozen Blueberries
The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has issued a solicitation for frozen blueberries for use in the National School Lunch Program and other Federal Food and Nutrition Assistance Programs. Offers are due on Feb. 6.
The solicitation seeks 2,640 units of 12/2.5# for delivery in April, and 1,320 units of 30# for delivery in June.
Acceptances will be announced by midnight, Feb. 13. Deliveries are to be made between April 1 and June 30.
View the full solicitation here.
NABC Supports Nomination of Chavez-DeRemer as DOL Leader, Meets With Transition Team
The NABC recently submitted a letter of support for Rep. Lori Chavez-Deremer to be named the new Secretary of Labor. The letter noted Chavez-Deremer’s commitment to fostering economic growth, and her deep understanding of farm labor issues – two topics of importance to the blueberry industry.
“Rep. Chavez-Remer was a wonderful advocate for us during her time in Congress serving on the House Ag Committee,” noted NABC Government Affairs Director Alyssa Houtby. “While in Congress, she was a sponsor and co-sponsor on nearly every one of our Farm Bill marker bills, she hosted NABC’s 2023 National Blueberry Month event with the House Ag Committee, and her office was a huge help to us in coordinating the Blueberry Ice Cream Social last year.”
In addition to the letter of support, in a meeting with the Department of Labor’s (DOL) transition team, Houtby shared the issues the NABC is most concerned about under the Trump administration. Topics of discussion with the transition team included:
- Recommending that DOL initiate a full review of the efficiency and efficacy of the H-2A program, and identify areas that can be streamlined, including the application system, recruiting, hiring and improved inter-agency coordination between DOL and other federal agencies.
- Requesting formalized inter-agency coordination with USDA on rulemaking, regarding any changes or updates to the H-2A program.
- Requesting that outgoing USDA Sec. Tom Vilsack, and the incoming secretary, establish a position within the office of the secretary to engage with DOL on the implementation of the H-2A program and other regulations impacting farmers.
- Committing to continue working with USDA to modify the existing Farm Labor Survey (FLS), with a goal of DOL amending the regulations to conform with the Immigration and Nationality Act, and eliminating adverse effect wage rates.
- Sharing NABC’s concerns about OSHA’s proposed heat rule.
NABC Supports Rollins for USDA Secretary, Contributes to Confirmation Hearing
The NABC signed onto a letter of support for Brooke Rollins to be named USDA Secretary in the new Trump administration. The council also submitted a list of questions and talking points for use during Rollins’ confirmation hearing last week.
This included encouraging members of the Senate Agriculture Committee to emphasize the importance and unique needs of the specialty crop sector, as well as touching on how Rollins could be expected to respond to critical topics like:
- Disaster relief
- Labor
- The Commodity Credit Corporation
- Export market competitiveness
- Dietary guidelines
This type of input is a critical part of the council’s ongoing advocacy strategy. We’ll keep you posted on similar efforts in the future.
NABC Submits Comments on Biden Administration’s Proposed Heat Illness Prevention Rule
The NABC recently submitted comments on the Biden’s administration’s proposed heat illness prevention rule. While it’s yet to be seen how the Trump administration will approach the proposed rule, it was imperative that the council be on the record with its input.
The official comments noted that NABC members strive to always protect employees from all work-related injuries and work tirelessly to comply with state and federal labor laws, noting that members welcome thoughtful regulation that’s reasonable and feasible.
The comments also touched on issues including:
- General support for a federal heat illness prevention standard.
- The need for OSHA to host nationwide listening sessions with stakeholders.
- The fact that some states already have heat illness prevention regulations in place.
- Concerns about the rule’s arbitrary “initial heat trigger.”
- A need for reasonable flexibilities that account for differing climates and operations.
- Concerns with the requirement designate a workplace heat safety coordinator to implement and monitor the HIIPP.
- Consistency between this rule and existing H-2A regulations related to wages.
NABC will continue to monitor progress on the rule and weigh in as needed to ensure the blueberry industry’s voice is heard.
Industry Growth, Increasing Demand Is Focus of Podcast Appearance
NABC President Kasey Cronquist appeared on the “AgNet News Hour” podcast in mid-January to discuss the growth of the blueberry industry in the U.S.
Cronquist also highlighted the blueberry industry’s focus on increasing demand and consumption, as well as its reliance on H-2A workers for harvesting and efforts to increase export markets.
The podcast airs on 14 radio stations in the Central and Salinas valleys, and Central Coast ag production regions.
Time’s Running Out to Join The Blueberry Hill Climb!
If you’re pondering adding your voice to our advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C., now’s the time to register for The Blueberry Hill Climb and Industry Meetings, March 24-28 in Alexandria, Virginia.
We’re looking for blueberry thought leaders like you to join us in meeting with leaders in the presidential administration and members of Congress to discuss policies that support the competitiveness of U.S. blueberry producers, such as the Farm Bill, H-2A reform and improved access to key foreign markets.
We’ll provide all the information and messaging you need to help us make the case with policymakers, so you don’t have to be an advocacy expert to participate.
Sign up now to let us know we can count on your voice, your input, your big ideas! Plus, be sure to reserve your room in our discounted room block before it sells out.
A Round of Applause for Our New Members
We’re excited to welcome a cadre of new members to NABC!
Let’s have a round of applause for:
- NNZ USA
- Oasis Farms
- Fieldsweet
Help us keep growing by telling everyone in your network about the benefits of NABC – and encourage them to join!
Tell Us About Your Industry Events!
Hosting a blueberry industry event you’d like mentioned in the monthly NABC newsletter? Email Gabriella Gebhardt at [email protected] and we’ll help you spread the word!