Message from the Chairman
by Eric Pond, Chairman, Oregon Blueberry Commission
I am hoping by the time this report is on your desk we are well into warmer and drier weather. As spring and bloom approaches, the excitement of a new harvest builds. It has felt like a wetter winter, though this may just be me having less tolerance. Regardless of how the winter weather has affected you, it is the beginning of another season.
The industry has been hard at work through the winter and much work continues. The Fresh Blueberries to Korea project is at the top of the list. Trapping, traceability and labeling protocols have all taken many hours from many industry volunteers. There are many moving parts to this project and many people working on it.
Food Safety training was identified as a project our industry could help promote. We joined Oregon’s other berry groups and are working to provide training for every size grower, harvest managers and crew leaders. Our industry has really stepped up to the plate and worked hard to move this issue forward. I am really appreciative of everyone’s efforts; these projects are very valuable to the industry as a whole. Stay tuned for further information regarding food safety issues.
Many research projects continue and several new ones will be starting this year. As an industry, we are fortunate to work with many talented researchers. I know I learn something each time I visit with them or visit the research farms. Here is a sample of new research projects: Field Border Insecticide Applications to Manage Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD); Cold Storage of Blueberries to Minimize SWD; Evaluation of Fungicides for Mummy Berry Management; and Evaluating Processing Quality of Blueberry Cultivars and Breeding Selections.
Here is hoping for good weather, decent yields and fair prices.
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