USDA names 2026 Highbush Blueberry Council board
The United States Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins, appointed 23 members and alternates to the US Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) board, with terms running through December 31, 2028.
Oregon grower Ellie Norris was elected by her peers as Chair, and with the Secretary’s recent approval, she is set to begin her functions immediately.
The USHBC oversees promotion, research, and industry initiatives to increase demand for blueberries in the US and global markets.
“It’s a tough time to be a grower, particularly in the US, but it’s my belief that no other organization can do what the USHBC can do to create the opportunities for our growers to build the farm, business, life, and legacy they want,” Norris said.
Meet USHBC's newest members
Norris began her career on her family’s large-scale blueberry farm in southern Oregon and continues to operate within a multigenerational farming business. She also chairs the North American Blueberry Council’s Government Affairs Committee and is slated to become Chair of that organization in 2027.
The newly appointed board members represent producing regions including California, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, and Washington, along with importer representatives from California, Illinois, Michigan, Florida, and Washington, and exporter representatives from Canada.
*All images are referential.
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