Apr 3, 2015

Georgia blueberry growers approve assessment

Georgia blueberry growers agreed to continue the assessment on blueberries grown in Georgia during a recent referendum, held Jan. 21 through Feb. 20.

The blueberry marketing order passed with 77.45 percent of eligible grower ballots cast in favor of continuing the assessment at a rate of $5 per ton of marketed blueberries, according to a Georgia Farm Bureau news release.

Funds received from the grower assessment on blueberries can be spent on research, education and promotion of blueberries. The Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commission for Blueberries determines which projects to fund with assessment dollars.

Funded projects for 2015 include research on anti-oxidant and nutritional values for Georgia blueberries, herbicide programs, disease management, nutrient management and variety development. Georgia ranked number one in the production of blueberries in the United States in 2014.