Blueberry Council Awarded $500K To Improve Export Opportunities

USDA has awarded the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council $513,948 from the Market Access Program, better known as MAP, to expand export opportunities.

USHBC said in Wednesday’s announcement that MAP funding is invaluable to the blueberry industry.  The Council added it maintains a robust international market development program aimed at expanding global demand for U.S. blueberries through targeted trade and consumer initiatives.

Priority markets include South Korea, Japan, India, Mexico, Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines.

“USDA’s market development programs crowd in private sector capital to help promote U.S. food, fuel and fiber to foreign buyers,” said Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke J. Lindberg. “Partnering with industry ensures that these resources are deployed efficiently and effectively, and that decisions are farmer-driven.” 

The MAP and Foreign Market Development, or FMD, programs are longstanding cost-share partnerships that help producers build and maintain a competitive presence in the global marketplace.

“The impact of funding for export promotion is profound for the blueberry industry. These grants are critical to our efforts to expand into high-value markets like Vietnam, India and South Korea, and we’re grateful for the USDA's continued support,” said USHBC President Kasey Cronquist. “This funding allows us to build on our success in driving global consumption and spreading the word about the quality, versatility and health benefits of U.S. blueberries to new consumers around the world.”

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