Mar 5, 2020

US House, Senate resolutions declare July as National Blueberry Month

The U.S. House and Senate have introduced resolutions recognizing the history and accomplishments of the U.S. highbush blueberry industry and seeking to declare July as “National Blueberry Month.”

Congressmen Fred Upton and Sanford Bishop are sponsors of  House Resolution 882.

The resolution points out that highbush blueberries have a harvested area estimated at over 97,000 acres and are produced in 48 states by more than 14,000 growers and their families; and that highbush blueberry production in the United States has continually increased, with particular growth in the past two decades, reaching a harvest of 551,100,000 pounds in 2018. It also points to the research-based health benefits of blueberries.

On March 4, members of the North American Blueberry Council (NABC) participated in a Hill Climb to encourage lawmakers to support blueberries by signing on to the resolution that reflects the incredible growth, value and impact the blueberry industry has on the economy and communities.

The U.S. Senate also has introduced a resolution recognizing the history and accomplishments of the U.S. highbush blueberry industry and seeking to declare July as “National Blueberry Month.” 

The resolution, deemed Senate Resolution 528, was sponsored by Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Michigan.

The resolution points out that highbush blueberries have a harvested area estimated at over 97,000 acres and are produced in 48 states by more than 14,000 growers and their families; and that highbush blueberry production in the U.S. has continually increased, with particular growth in the past two decades, reaching a harvest of 551,100,000 pounds in 2018. It also points to the research-based health benefits of blueberries. 

On March 4, members of the North American Blueberry Council (NABC) participated in a Hill Climb to encourage lawmakers to support blueberries by signing on to the resolution that reflects the incredible growth, value and impact the blueberry industry has on the economy and communities. 

The over 130 participants shared the NABC’s policy priorities and drove awareness of the health benefits of blueberries.

“Blueberry growers and others connected to the industry are thrilled at the possibility of having their work recognized and celebrated during National Blueberry Month,” said NABC Chair Tom Bodtke. “There’s simply no better time than July, which is our peak season, to draw attention to the economic and health benefits of blueberries. We’re grateful to the senators who are helping draw attention to the industry with this timely resolution.” 

NABC President Kasey Cronquist  wrote about the Washington, D.C., activities in a blog on the NABC website:

“What was originally scheduled to be our NABC and USHBC Spring Meetings at a hotel in Alexandria, Virginia, has turned into an exciting opportunity to work together to help raise the profile of the blueberry industry with lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

What’s our message?

“Support blueberries.”

From the records I’ve been able to find here at NABC, July was first introduced as “Blueberry Month” through a joint resolution of the House and Senate on June 13, 1974. The resolution encouraged then President Nixon to, “issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States … to observe that month with appropriate ceremonies and activities.”

Then in 2005, USDA Secretary Mike Johanns issued a similar proclamation declaring July “National Blueberry Month.”

Next week, we’ll be working together in Washington, D.C., encouraging lawmakers across the country to “support blueberries” by signing on to a new resolution that better reflects the incredible growth, value and impact our industry has on the economy and our communities.

Of course, we’ll have some talking points on policy priorities like labor, trade and the Farm Bill, but our main message, ask and purpose next week will be:

• To connect with as many members of Congress and their staff as possible.
• To collectively share the value our industry brings to the economy.
• To invite them to sign on to support blueberries through a new resolution declaring July as National Blueberry Month.

Organizing over 130 NABC members to meet with their Representatives and Senators to advocate for our industry on Capitol Hill is an NABC first. So it’s only fitting that our first “ask” is something that all members should agree to support.

I look forward to proudly wearing my button and spreading the good news about blueberries together.”