Jimmie Turner (202) 720-8998jimmie.turner@ams.usda.govBilly Cox (202) 720-8998billy.cox@ams.usda.gov
WASHINGTON, March 19, 2010 – Agriculture Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack today announced the appointments of four producers, an importer, an exporter, a public member, and their alternates to serve on the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council.
Reappointed producer members and alternate are: Producers R. Verne Gingerich, Canby, Ore., Region 1, and Art Galletta, Hammonton, N.J., Region 3; and David F. Arena, Hammonton, N.J., Region 3, alternate.
Newly appointed members are: Producers Shelly Ann Hartman, South Haven, Mich., Region 2, and Keith Mixon, Haines City, Fla., Region 4; Sofia Jessica Refusta Rebolledo, Santiago, Chile, exporter member; Stan Crafton, Littleton, Colo., importer member; and Amy B. Howell, Hammonton, N.J., public member.
Newly appointed alternate members are: Producer alternates Robert Ditchen, Salem Ore., Region 1, Patricia Ann Goin, North Judson, Ind., Region 2, and Duane E. Hatcher, Hawthorne, Fla., Region 4; Nicolas Moller, Santiago, Chile, exporter alternate; Francisco J. Allende, Moorestown, N.J., importer alternate; and Juan L. Silva, Starkville, Miss., public member alternate.
The Blueberry Promotion, Research, and Information Order, which became effective on July 17, 2000, authorizes the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council to conduct a coordinated program of promotion, research, and consumer and industry information in order to maintain and expand the market for cultivated blueberries. Assessment obligations under the program began on Jan. 1, 2001.
USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service monitors the operations of the council.
More information about the research and promotion programs is at www.ams.usda.gov/fv/rpb.html.
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