Blueberries
New blueberry variety honors benefactor and Florida alumnus Alto Straughn
When Patricio Muñoz developed the University of Florida’s newest blueberry variety, he wanted to name the fruit in honor of Alto Straughn, a longtime, strong supporter of UF’s blueberry breeding program. “A ‘sentinel’ is a... more »
MSU receives $2M USDA grant to improve blueberry pollination
Michigan State University (MSU) has received a four-year, $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Crop Research Initiative to improve blueberry pollination. The project is led by Rufus Isaacs, a professor in the Department... more »
Leadership change announced at Fall Creek Farm & Nursery
Eugene, Oregon-based Fall Creek Farm & Nursery Inc., has announced changes in its top leadership. Effective Sept. 24, 2020, Oscar Verges, is promoted to co-CEO and Amelie Brazelton Aust, has been named executive vice chair... more »
Blueberry councils appoint new vice president, financial controller
Beginning Sept. 28, 2020, the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) and North American Blueberry Council (NABC) appointed Jennifer Sparks, a longtime marketing professional for the floral industry, as vice president, marketing and communications. [caption id=""... more »
MSU entomologists join $5.4M effort for sustainable management of SWD
Michigan State University Entomology professor Rufus Isaacs’ lab is joining nine other land-grant universities in a new multi-million-dollar grant awarded by U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture to improve pest... more »
U.S. Trade Representative’s efforts to protect Southeastern growers lauded
The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association has applauded and supported the U.S. Trade Representative’s efforts to protect Southeastern produce growers. "This is a great first step to saving the domestic produce industry in the... more »
Joint statement issued on the Blueberry 201 investigation
A statement released Sept. 28 was unanimously approved by the board of directors of the U.S. Highbuh Blueberry Council (USHBC) and the North American Blueberry Council (NABC) regarding the 201 investigation. "We recognize the real... more »
Blueberry imports from Latin America increase to meet year-round demand
U.S. demand for fresh blueberries reached an all-time high in 2019, and to meet this increased demand, both domestic and global production of fresh blueberries have trended upward. According to USDA ERS, U.S production for... more »