U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council Seeks Nominees
February 22, 2016 U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) seeks nominees for eight state and alternative positions for a three-term beginning on Jan. 1, 2017. Eligible producer-nominees are those who produced 2,000 pounds or more of highbush blueberries in the U.S. from Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2015.
Nominations for six state positions representing Oregon, Georgia, New Jersey, Washington, North Carolina, and California will be completed by their respective state blueberry councils and commissions. Nominations are to be received directly from growers in Michigan and Florida. Potential nominees are required to complete a USHBC nomination application and forward their application on to the USHBC office by no later than April 15. Nomination applications will be mailed directly to Michigan and Florida growers.
Applications are also available online at the USHBC website or can be requested by contacting the USHBC office by phone at 916-983-0111 or by fax at 916-983-9022.
Once the nomination period is closed, a ballot will be prepared listing all nominees. Ballots will then be mailed to growers in Michigan and Florida on June 10. The voting period will be open for 35 days and close on July 15. Those receiving the most votes for each producer seat will be recommended to the Secretary of Agriculture as council members. Those who earn the second most votes for each position will be recommended as the alternate. The names of those who receive the third and fourth most votes will be sent on to the Secretary for consideration as well.
Vilsack Confirms 2016 Appointments
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has appointed seven members and their alternates to serve on the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council. Each representative will serve a 3-year term of office which began Jan.1.
Members appointed include producers Mark D. Hurst of Sheridan, OR, Patricia Ann Goin of North Judson, IN., Art Galletta of Hammonton, NJ, and Bill Braswell of Auburndale, FL; importer Francisco Allende of Moorestown, NJ; and exporter Jorge A. Varela of Santiago, Chile. Juan L. Silva of Starkville, MS, was appointed as the public member.
Alternates include producers R. Verne Gingerich of Wilsonville, OR, Shelly Hartmann of South Haven, MI, David F. Arena of Hammonton, NJ, and Jerod Gross of Arcadia, FL; importer John E. Johnston of Salinas, CA; and exporter Felipe Juillerat of Santiago, Chile. Amy Howell of Egg Harbor, NJ, was appointed as the alternate public member.
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