Feb 18, 2016

USHBC seeks nominees for state member positions

Members of the highbush (cultivated) blueberry industry are now seeking nominees to fill U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) state member and alternate positions for the 2017 to 2019 term. The nomination period will begin on March 11. Eight USHBC state member and alternate seats need to be filled for the term of office beginning January 1, 2017. Eligible producer nominees are those who produced 2,000 pounds or more of highbush blueberries in the U.S. during the period of January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015.

Nominations for six state positions representing Oregon, Georgia, New Jersey, Washington, North Carolina, and California will be completed by their respective state blueberry councils and commissions. Nominations are to be received directly from growers in Michigan and Florida.

Potential nominees are required to complete a USHBC nomination application and forward their application on to the USHBC office by no later than April 15. Nomination applications will be mailed directly to Michigan and Florida growers. Applications are also available on line at the USHBC website or can be requested by contacting the USHBC office by phone at 916-983- 0111 or by fax at 916-983-9022.

Once the nomination period is closed, a ballot will be prepared listing all nominees. Ballots will then be mailed to growers in Michigan and Florida on June 10. The voting period will be open for 35 days and close on July 15. Those receiving the most votes for each producer seat will be recommended to the secretary of agriculture as council members. Those who earn the second most votes for each position will be recommended as the alternate. The names of those who receive the third and fourth most votes will be sent on to the secretary for consideration as well.

Council members and alternates will serve a term of three years beginning January 1, 2017. Members and alternates can serve for a maximum of two consecutive terms.