2020 came with new challenges for our industry and for the country. While Florida blueberry growers were ramping up their harvest season, the nation was shutting down. As Congress passed relief legislation, our industry was passed over.

The Florida Blueberry Growers Association, along with Florida Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association, Florida Farm Bureau & the North American Blueberry Council, quickly mobilized and got blueberries added to the Coronavirus Food Assistance Programs.   

At the same time, we worked with FFVA and the Florida Farm Bureau to prepare for the Field Hearings held by USTR, USDA and the Department of Commerce. These hearings were a result of our combined vocal opposition to USMCA.

After the Field Hearings, USTR announced they would self-initiate a 201 investigation on blueberries, which led to our industry organizing together and forming the American Blueberry Growers Alliance.

Please refer to the article below for more on the 201 and ABGA.

Though 2020 brought more challenges and unexpected hurdles, in 2021 we have hope.

We have a united domestic industry, working together on the 201 trade investigation, with the common goal of advocating for the domestic producer.

Wishing you and your family farms a prosperous 2021.

Brittany H. Lee

Executive Director

Florida Blueberry Growers Association