Members of the highbush (cultivated) blueberry industry are now seeking nominees to fill U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council state member and alternate positions for the 2026-28 term.
Established in 2000, the USHBC is a federal agriculture research and promotion program with independent oversight from the USDA. USHBC represents blueberry growers and packers in North and South America who market their blueberries in the U.S. and overseas and works to promote the growth and well-being of the entire blueberry industry.
Eight USHBC state member and alternate seats need to be filled for a term beginning Jan.1, 2026, according to a news release. Eligible nominees are those who produced 2,000 pounds or more of highbush blueberries in the U.S. during the period of Jan. 1, 2022, to Dec.31, 2024.
Nominations for seven state positions representing Oregon, Georgia, New Jersey, Michigan, Washington, North Carolina and California will be completed by their respective state blueberry councils and commissions. Those interested in serving should contact their respective state commissioin, the release said.
Nomination applications for Florida’s positions will be made available directly to Florida growers, however, potential Florida nominees are required to complete a USHBC nomination application and email their application to the USHBC office by April 18, the release said. Questions can be directed to elections@blueberry.org.
Once the nomination period is closed, a ballot will be prepared listing all nominees. Florida growers will receive a link to vote via email on April 28. The voting period will close on May 9.
Those receiving the most votes for each producer seat will be recommended to the agriculture secretary as council members, the release said. 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 also will be submitted to the agriculture secretary for consideration.
Council members and alternates will serve a three-year beginning Jan.1, 2026. Members and alternates can serve for a maximum of two consecutive terms.
