As we embark upon a new year, the Florida Blueberry Growers Association Board wishes you, your family and your farm a prosperous 2020 season!
We have been working with the Florida Department of Agriculture and are happy to announce a special permit to ship fresh blueberries under a systems approach from Florida to California has been granted. Shipments to California were previously prohibited without the application of expensive fumigants, which required the fruit to be heated up for applications, potentially affecting fruit quality.
This is a major win for Florida growers, opening additional market access for our crop.
Over the last several years you, the growers, have made it clear that you want the Association to be more vocal and more active advocating for your interests. We have done that, successfully, and continue to do so. We have presented a united voice on many issues locally in Florida and nationally. This spring, we are attending the North American Blueberry Council’s Spring meeting in Washington, D.C., on March 3-5.
We highly encourage you to join us! Please look for e-blasts from NABC and the FBGA to register for this meeting. The U.S. Trade Representative’s Chief Agricultural Negotiator will be speaking on U.S. Trade Policy for Blueberries, and the NABC will be presenting their Policy Platform. The NABC is also hosting advocacy training and a “Climb to the Hill,” which will be followed by a Reception for legislators. This is a great opportunity to show our united and collective voice as a strong Florida industry.
As always, thank you for your continued support of the Florida Blueberry Growers Association. We look forward to serving you this 2020 season and beyond.
Brittany H. Lee
Executive Director