Blueberry Growers Vote to Extend Assessment
With your Southeast Regional Ag News, I am Haylie Shipp. This is the Ag Information Network.
On Wednesday, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper announced that Georgia blueberry growers have voted to extend the $5 per ton assessment on marketed blueberries for an additional three years. The balloting was conducted March 1-30, 2024, and the extension passed by a good margin with 71% voting in favor. Georgia Growers marketing 2,000 pounds or more of blueberries are subject to the assessment, ensuring continued support for the research, education, and promotion to support Georgia's blueberry industry.
According to the Department of Agriculture, the Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commission for Blueberries, established by the Georgia State Legislature in 2008, is crucial in advancing Georgia's blueberry industry. It allocates funds toward essential projects, including research, education, and promotional efforts. These initiatives encompass various endeavors, from breeding and genetic improvements to fertility studies, variety evaluations, insect and disease management, and weed control. Notably, the Commission actively advocates for fair trade practices, urging the Federal Trade Commission to investigate instances of blueberry dumping into the U.S. market.
