AMS No. 177-11

Gwen Sparks, (202) 260-8210

gwen.sparks@ams.usda.gov

WASHINGTON, Aug. 11, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced that highbush blueberry producers and importers have voted to continue the Blueberry Promotion, Research and Information Order.

USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) conducted the referendum from July 5 to July 26, 2011. Eighty-eight percent of eligible voters, representing 98 percent of the volume of blueberries produced or imported by those voting, support continuing the program. With a majority of votes and a majority of the volume, the referendum passed.

Research and promotion programs are self-help programs, funded through industry member assessments and administered by board members selected by the Secretary of Agriculture. They allow commodity groups to conduct promotion, market and production research, and new product development for the benefit of their industries. Visit www.ams.usda.gov/FVPromotion for more information about research and promotion programs.

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