Gwen Sparks, (202) 260-8210 gwen.sparks@ams.usda.gov
WASHINGTON, Jan. 13, 2012 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking nominations for the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council.
The council is composed of 16 members and 16 alternates. Selected nominees would replace seven members and seven alternates whose terms will expire Dec. 31, 2012. The council will hold elections to fill eight seats that represent U.S. regional producers and recommend nominees to fill six seats representing importers, exporters and the public.
The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council meets periodically to review marketing and research activities that benefit the industry. The national program, which became effective in 2000, is industry-funded and supports the national marketing and promotion of highbush blueberries. USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) oversees board activities.
USDA encourages board membership that reflects the diversity of the individuals served by the programs. All eligible women, minorities and persons with disabilities are invited to seek nomination for a seat on the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council by the Feb. 17, 2012 deadline. Visit www.blueberry.org for a copy of the application, or contact the council’s Executive Director, Mark Villata at (916) 983-0111 or e-mail mvillata@ushbc.org. You may also contact Maureen Pello, USDA Marketing Specialist, by phone (503) 632-8848 or e-mail maureen.pello@ams.usda.gov, for more information.
#
Get the latest AMS news at www.ams.usda.gov/news or follow us on Twitter @USDA_AMS_NEWS.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (Voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).