In this episode of “The Business of Blueberries,” host Kasey Cronquist, president of the USHBC and the North American Blueberry Council (NABC), is joined by Bernadine Strik, professor emeritus of horticulture and a berry crop specialist and researcher at Oregon State University, for a discussion about Bernadine’s storied career and where the blueberry industry is heading next.

“If we look worldwide, our organic blueberry program is really the only one of its kind in the world.” - Bernadine Strik

“From a marketing standpoint, we have our millennials and [generation z] very interested in anything that’s related to what’s better for the environment, and that includes carbon sequestration, the efficiency of fertilizer, and water use.” - Bernadine Strik

Topics covered include:

• Bernadine’s beginning in the blueberry industries.
• The numerous accomplishments and discoveries during her career, including the development of organic blueberry cultivation and high-density farming.
• The future of the blueberry industry and blueberry research, including climate resiliency and environmental sustainability. 
• Marketing opportunities that exist in the sustainability space.

Resources:

• "The effects of long-term management on patterns of carbon storage in a northern highbush blueberry production system"

Crop Report

The Blueberry Crop Report is an update on crop conditions and markets throughout North and South America. In this episode, you’ll hear from Brandon Wade in Georgia. This was recorded on April 7, 2022.

Marketing Boost

June is Brain Health Month! On this week’s Marketing Boost, USHBC/NABC Vice President of Marketing and Communications Jennifer Sparks discusses USHBC efforts during the month, including the newly launched Brain Health Month toolkit, available for free for blueberry industry members.