Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Senate has introduced a resolution recognizing the history and accomplishments of the U.S. highbush blueberry industry and seeking to declare July as “National Blueberry Month.”
The resolution, deemed Senate Resolution 528, was sponsored by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI).
The resolution points out that highbush blueberries have a harvested area estimated at over 97,000 acres and are produced in 48 states by more than 14,000 growers and their families; and that highbush blueberry production in the U.S. has continually increased, with particular growth in the past two decades, reaching a harvest of 551,100,000 pounds in 2018. It also points to the research-based health benefits of blueberries.
Today, members of the North American Blueberry Council (NABC) participated in a Hill Climb to encourage lawmakers to support blueberries by signing on to the resolution that reflects the incredible growth, value and impact the blueberry industry has on the economy and communities.
The over 130 participants shared the NABC’s policy priorities and drove awareness of the health benefits of blueberries.
“Blueberry growers and others connected to the industry are thrilled at the possibility of having their work recognized and celebrated during National Blueberry Month,” said NABC Chair Tom Bodtke. “There’s simply no better time than July, which is our peak season, to draw attention to the economic and health benefits of blueberries. We’re grateful to the senators who are helping draw attention to the industry with this timely resolution.”
The House passed a similar resolution yesterday.
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About the North American Blueberry Council
Since 1965, the North American Blueberry Council (NABC) has been the voice of the blueberry industry in the U.S. and Canada. NABC’s members represent approximately 70% of the North American highbush blueberry crop. NABC was instrumental in the establishment of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHABC), a federal agriculture research and promotion program with independent oversight from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Learn more at nabcblues.org.
