NABC joins farm groups calling for congressional relief

The North American Blueberry Council (NABC) joined dozens of agriculture organizations last week in urging Congress to provide immediate economic assistance to American farmers. Mounting financial pressure on specialty crop producers, including blueberry growers, is among the key concerns.

In a coalition letter (see below) sent to lawmakers, the groups say rising labor and input costs have pushed many farm operations into financial distress. Despite state support, the document warns that current measures have not closed the gap.

“America’s farmers, ranchers, and growers are facing extreme economic pressures that threaten the long-term viability of the US agriculture sector,” the letter states. “An alarming number of farmers are financially underwater.” 

NABC blows the whistle on thin margins for blueberries

For blueberry growers, the economic squeeze has intensified over several years. Higher costs for labor, fertilizer, fuel, packaging, and transportation have eroded margins across producing regions.

A June 2025 study by Michigan State University found the average blueberry grower now operates at an economic breakeven, leaving little room to absorb further cost increases or market volatility.

The letter acknowledges recent investments by Congress and the US Department of Agriculture aimed at supporting the industry, but said those efforts have not matched the scale of losses producers face. 

The coalition called for near-term financial relief alongside longer-term policies designed to strengthen domestic demand for US-grown agricultural products.

NABC says bipartisan recognition of the farm economy’s challenges has grown, but argues that congressional action remains critical to stabilize the sector and maintain a dependable domestic blueberry supply for American consumers.