Blueberry Assessment Increase Withdrawn

USDA announced Feb. 19 that it is withdrawing a proposal to amend the Blueberry Promotion, Research and Information Order. The proposed rule, published in the Federal Register last July 27, would have increased the assessment rate annually from $12 to $24 per ton on growers who produce or import more than 2,000 pounds of highbush blueberries.

The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) recommended increasing the assessment rate to expand its promotional and research activities to bridge the potential gap between demand and future supply. Several comments were received in opposition to the proposed increase in the assessment rate, so the proposal was withdrawn, according to USHBC.

This withdrawal rule was scheduled to be published in the Feb. 23, 2010, Federal Register. To see the withdrawal rule, click here.

USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service monitors the operations of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council in accordance with the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996. The council administers an industry-funded national research and promotion program to maintain and expand markets for highbush blueberries.