The North American Highbush Blueberry Council says South Africa has officially approved market access for fresh blueberries from all U.S. states.
“After years of stalled progress, we thank the Trump administration for prioritizing this request and finally getting the South African market open for U.S. fresh blueberries,” says Kasey Cronquist, NABC president, in a news release. “We’re grateful to the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) for its collaboration and for securing a science-based and practical work plan for blueberry growers and packers.”
Cronquist says NABC is optimistic about the future of U.S. blueberry exports, while noting NABC first requested access to South Africa trade about a decade ago, when U.S. blueberries would have held a dominant position in the South African market.
“We believe strongly in the importance of open, science-based trade and will continue working to expand and strengthen global market access for U.S. blueberry growers,” he says.
Now, exports from Morrocco, Zimbabwe and other African nations has surged.
“This is a clear example of the risks when market access is delayed,” Cronquist says. “Competitors fill the gap, capture market share and limit opportunities for U.S. growers.”
NABC says the organization is also working to secure expanded access to South Korea and new access to Australia and New Zealand.
“We appreciate the ongoing efforts of USDA and the United States Trade Representative (USTR) on these priorities, and we’re hopeful that, under the Trump administration, we can open these new markets and create profitable opportunities for U.S. blueberry growers,” Cronquist says.
