USDA appoints 7 members, 10 alternates to U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council

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.