In this episode of “The Business of Blueberries,” host Kasey Cronquist, president of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) and the North American Blueberry Council (NABC), is joined by Amanda Griffin, vice president of education and engagement, and Shelly Hartmann, chair of the USHBC and owner of True Blue Farms. They sit down to discuss the changes to the USHBC committee process, and why they think the new process will make participating in USHBC more accessible to all who would like to get involved. 

“We need to focus on engagement opportunities and how to get people involved when they ask those questions. … So I think it's a great process as we move forward into the new year and get ready to decide the next step for aligning the right people with the committee structures that we have in place.” - Shelly Hartmann

“To be able to indicate your passion and where you would like to serve … it's sort of like a database of volunteers for service throughout the year.” -  Amanda Griffin

Topics covered include: 

• A review of the new process for applying to serve on USHBC committees and task forces.
• An explanation of the changes, objectives and possibilities this new process provides to the blueberry industry. 
• Where to view the application and complete it by the Dec. 30 deadline.
• The ability to email [email protected] with any questions about the new volunteer process.

Crop Report

The Blueberry Crop Report is an update on crop conditions and markets throughout important blueberry growing areas. Today you’ll hear from Luis Vegas in Peru and Nestor Vega in Mexico. This was recorded on December 14, 2022.