The USDA has appointed seven members and 10 alternates to serve on the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council.
According to a news release, members and alternates newly appointed to serve a three-year term ending Dec. 31, 2024, are:
• Nathan Sakuma of Burlington, Wash. (Western Region producer member);
• Anne Krahmer-Steinkamp of Saint Paul, Ore. (Western Region producer alternate);
• Shelly Hartmann of Grand Junction, Mich. (Midwest Region producer member);
• Katelyn Craig of South Haven Mich. (Midwest Region producer alternate);
• David F. Arena of Hammonton, N.J. (Northeast Region producer member);
• Art Galleta of Hammonton, N.J. (Northeast Region producer alternate);
• Jody A. McPherson of Rocky Point, N.C. (Southern Region producer member);
• Charles Michael Thomas of Blackshear, Ga. (Southern Region producer alternate);
• John Johnston of Watsonville, Calif. (importer member);
• Bonnie Lundblad of Glassboro, N.J. (importer alternate);
• Felipe Silva of Santiago, Chile (exporter member);
• Sebastian Carmona of Santiago, Chile (exporter alternate);
• Amy Howell, PhD of Chatsworth, N.J. (public member); and
• William O. Cline of Castle Hayne, N.C., (public alternate);
The release said alternate members appointed to fill vacancies with a term ending Dec. 31, 2022, are:
• William Unger of Cornelius, Ore. (Oregon producer);
• Joseph A. Barsi of Watsonville, Calif. (importer alternate);and
• Stephen Phillips of British Columbia, Canada (handler alternate).
The 20-member council is comprised of 12 producers, four importers, two exporters, one handler and one public member. Each member seat has a corresponding alternate seat. Members and alternates can serve up to two consecutive three-year terms.
More information about the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council and a roster of members are available on the Agricultural Marketing Service U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council website.
