Georgia Blueberry Growers Vote to Extend Blueberry Assessment

Wed, Apr 24 2024

Atlanta, GA - Today, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper announced that Georgia blueberry growers have voted to extend the $5 per ton assessment on marketed blueberries for an additional three years. The balloting was conducted March 1-30, 2024, and the extension passed with 71% voting in favor. Georgia Growers marketing 2,000 pounds or more of blueberries are subject to the assessment, ensuring continued support for the research, education, and promotion to support Georgia's blueberry industry.

The Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commission for Blueberries, established by the Georgia State Legislature in 2008, is crucial in advancing Georgia's blueberry industry. It allocates funds toward essential projects, including research, education, and promotional efforts. These initiatives encompass various endeavors, from breeding and genetic improvements to fertility studies, variety evaluations, insect and disease management, and weed control. Notably, the Commission actively advocates for fair trade practices, urging the Federal Trade Commission to investigate instances of blueberry dumping into the U.S. market.

Media contacts

• Matthew Agvent,Communications Director
• Liz Rivera-Brown,Deputy Communications Director

About the GDA
The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) is the voice of the state's agriculture community. The department's mission is to provide excellence in services and regulatory functions, to protect and promote agriculture and consumer interests, and to ensure an abundance of safe food and fiber for Georgia, America, and the world by using state-of-the-art technology and a professional workforce.

Find us on Facebook • Follow on Twitter: @GDAFoodSafety •@GeorgiaGrown

For more information, visit www.agr.georgia.gov.

Georgia Department of Agriculture
Tyler Harper, Commissioner
19 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SW
Atlanta, GA 30334