In this issue:
- From the Chair: Feeling Thankful for Our Blueberry Community
- NABC Statement on the Presidential Election
- Regulatory Update: DOL Announces Changes to H-2A Job Order Forms
- USDA Announces Over $2 Billion in Funding to Strengthen Specialty Crops Sector
- Export Facility Registration is now Open for the 2025 Shipping Season
- 2024 NABC Crop Report
- Add Your Voice to The Blueberry Hill Climb!
- NABC Committee, Task Force Appointments to be Announced in December
- Alyssa Houtby Makes the Fruit + Vegetable 40 Under Forty List
- NABC Is Inspiring Blueberry Possibilities!
- We Can Help Promote Your Industry Event!
From the Chair: Feeling Thankful for Our Blueberry Community
By Pat Goin
NABC Chair
As Thanksgiving approaches and we gather with family and friends, I’m filled with gratitude for the countless blessings I’ve experienced in the past year. I’m especially thankful for the unwavering dedication and support of so many in our blueberry community.
No matter what came our way this year, we were able to assess the situation, develop a plan of action and respond appropriately – all with an eye on helping the blueberry industry and its people thrive.
Was it easy? No, often it was not. We were successful? Yes, we were, in so very many ways!
So at this special time of year, I hope you’ll join me in taking a few minutes to reflect, reassess and reaffirm just how fortunate we are to be doing the hard work of bringing consumers healthy, high-quality blueberries, supporting our families and communities, and uniting around our common vision.
For that, and for each of you, I’m thankful!
Go Blueberries!
NABC Statement on the Presidential Election
Immediately after the presidential election, NABC President Kasey Cronquist issued the following statement:
“The North American Blueberry Council (NABC) congratulates Donald Trump on his election last week to serve as the nation’s 47th president. His election comes at a time when blueberry growers are facing more challenges than ever before. The NABC is ready to partner with the new administration to continue our work on behalf of our members to drive success and profitability in the production and distribution of blueberries in North America and around the world.
Our association remains steadfast in its legislative priorities, including the critical need to pass a Farm Bill that provides American farmers and producers with the programs and resources they urgently require to continue to remain competitive. We also look forward to working with the Trump administration and the 119th Congress on important issues, including tax policy, ensuring growers have access to a reliable and affordable workforce, pursuing bilateral trade negotiations that support more exports of U.S. blueberries, and programs that improve nutrition security for all Americans.
We encourage the new administration to take expeditious action to keep our agriculture economy thriving and ensure families have reliable access to fresh, nutritious food.”
Regulatory Update: DOL Announces Changes to H-2A Job Order Forms
The Department of Labor announced today that, in light of recent court orders, employers will be directed on the Foreign Labor Application Gateway System to prepare and submit H-2A job orders and Applications for Temporary Employment Certification using the forms applicable under the version of 20 CFR part 655, subpart B in effect on June 27, 2024, prior to the effective date of the Farmworker Protection Rule.
Click here to read the full announcement from DOL. If you have any questions, please contact NABC Director of Government Affairs Alyssa Houtby at [email protected].
USDA Announces Over $2 Billion in Funding to Strengthen Specialty Crops Sector
On Nov. 19, the USDA announced the creation of two new programs to assist specialty crop growers overcome market barriers for their products, and help producers access pre-market crop storage following severe weather events, including recent hurricanes.
Marketing Assistance Program for Specialty Crops
The Marketing Assistance Program for Speciality Crops provides $2 billion to assist specialty crop growers in maintaining a strong domestic supply and expanding market opportunities for their crops.
Specifically, this program seeks to expand markets by helping producers offset higher marketing costs related to the tenderness and perishability of fruits; specialized handling and transport equipment with temperature and humidity control; packaging; moving perishables to market quickly; and higher labor costs.
USDA expects applications for the program to open in December.
Commodity Storage Assistance Program
A second program, the Commodity Storage Assistance Program, will provide $140 million to help producers gain access to a packing house or other facility necessary for the marketing of agricultural commodities.
This program is designed to assist farmers in remaining competitive and dealing with disaster-related challenges. USDA expects high sign-up rates in the Southeast due to recent hurricanes.
The programs are supported by funds allocated through the USDA’s Commodity Credit Corporation.
What’s Next?
While the announcement of these programs is welcome news, it does not negate the critical need for Congress to pass a Farm Bill and fund agriculture disaster relief.
Additional information on these programs, including details about eligibility and how to apply, is expected to be released in the next week. We’ll keep NABC members updated as information becomes available and assist them in filing their applications.
If you have any questions, please reach out to NABC Director of Government Affairs Alyssa Houtby at [email protected].
Export Facility Registration is Now Open for the 2025 Shipping Season
The blueberry export facility registration period for the 2025 shipping season is now open! Any company planning to export to Vietnam, the Philippines, China, or Chile in 2025 must be registered and approved for export by USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).
To register your facility, complete this form by Friday, December 20.
Complete this form if you are:
- Registering an export facility for the first time. APHIS will contact you to confirm approval.
- Updating the contact information for a previously approved facility.
You do not need to complete this form for a previously approved facility if there are no changes to the previous registration. Previously approved facilities will automatically be re-registered for the 2025 shipping season.
For specific questions, please email us at [email protected], and a member of our staff will get back to you as soon as possible.
USHBC’s export programs help the industry more effectively export and market all forms of blueberries in countries and regions with the highest volume potential. For more information about global market development initiatives, click the button below.
Member Exclusive: 2024 NABC Crop Report
The 2024 crop report is here!
This report covers the 2024 crop estimate, 2024 crop final and the 2025 crop estimate. It also includes fresh, processed and total numbers.
Be sure to check out our interactive industry data dashboard with market data broken down by week, available from the same webpage.
Add Your Voice to The Blueberry Hill Climb!
The Blueberry Hill Climb and Industry Meetings, March 24-28 in Alexandria, Virginia, is the only event that brings together growers, handlers, researchers and allied industry members to address the blueberry industry’s biggest policy priorities with the U.S. Congress and the administration.
It’s also your chance to participate in USHBC and NABC committee meetings, network with your peers, learn from engaging speakers, and even have a little fun!
Here are the top six reasons you’ve got to be there:
- Your story and experience matter! You’re the boots on the ground for the blueberry industry. Policymakers need to hear about your pain points and what you need to continue to be successful.
- Meet with influential policymakers. Not only will you have the opportunity to meet with members of Congress on Capitol Hill, you’ll meet representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture about important issues affecting the blueberry industry.
- You’ll make a difference. Whether it’s the Farm Bill, disaster assistance, child nutrition in schools or additional funding for blueberry research, when you share the industry’s critical topics with elected officials, you’ll know you’re making a difference for your peers!
- We’ll prepare you! That’s right. You don’t need to be a lobbying expert. You’ll get access to a pre-event webinar and special education sessions with NABC Director of Government Affairs Alyssa Houtby and NABC’s lobbying partner Monument Advocacy to prepare you to talk to policymakers.
- It’s fun! Being an advocate really is a good time. You’ll know you’re making a difference for the blueberry industry, and you’ll make new connections that will come in handy for years to come!
- You’ll get up to speed on USHBC and NABC business. In addition to the Hill Climb, you can participate in USHBC and NABC committee meetings, network with peers and learn from engaging speakers.
Sign up today and book your room within our block at the Hotel AKA Alexandria to take advantage of our discounted group rate!
NABC Committee, Task Force Appointments to be Announced in December
Our thanks to all of those in our blueberry community who applied recently to serve on an NABC committee or task force. Your dedication and willingness to serve are much appreciated!
The Executive Committee is currently reviewing all applications, and final appointments will be made by NABC Chair Pat Goin in December.
If you applied to volunteer, watch your inbox in late December. Committee and task force roles will begin in January 2025.
Alyssa Houtby Makes the Fruit + Vegetable 40 Under Forty List
Alyssa Houtby, NABC’s director of government affairs, has been named to Fruit + Vegetable’s 40 Under Forty list for 2024.
The annual awards program celebrates individuals who are deemed the next generation of ag leaders, representing the best in the industry.
Vegetable Growers News called Houtby “a dedicated advocate for growers,” noting that in addition to her role with NABC, she worked for 12 years in agricultural policy and regulatory affairs for California’s citrus industry.
Join us in congratulating Houtby on making this prestigious list!
Link: https://vegetablegrowersnews.com/40under40/
NABC Is Inspiring Blueberry Possibilities!
The word is spreading about the value and benefits of being an NABC member. Look who recently joined our community:
- Stag Park Farms
- Alegria Insurance Services
- AtwoodAG
Help us keep growing! Let your network know about NABC and encourage them to join.
We Can Help Promote Your Industry Event!
Need to get the word out about a blueberry industry event? We can help! Email Kristy Babb at [email protected] with all the details and we’ll include your event in our next newsletter.