The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council’s Blueberry Promotion, Research and Information order is seeking new members.
The positions are for eight state members and alternates for California, Georgia, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon and Washington, whose elections will be handled by state blueberry councils/commissions. Florida growers vote for a member and alternate in that state, according to a news release from the national blueberry council. The positions are for three-year terms, starting in 2020.
Ballots will be on the council’s website, www.ushbc.org, and voting begins June 10; ballots are due by July 15. Those who don’t receive a ballot by June 10 should call the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council office at 916-983-0111.
Top vote receivers will be recommended for the member positions to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which makes the final decisions on marketing and promotion board memberships. The second-highest vote receivers will be recommended as alternates, according to the release.
The council’s promotion and research activities are funded by an $18 per-ton assessment on U.S. highbush blueberries and the same amount on fresh and processed imported berries.
