Link to Fall Meeting Information

Click on the link below for information and registration for the Fall meeting.

http://floridablueberrygrowers.com/fall2009meeting.html

From Chile

http://www.thepacker.com/Big-boost-in-Chilean-blueberry-imports-expected/Article.aspx?articleid=838292&authorid=680&categoryid=122&feedid=215&src=top&emc=el&m=496891&l=5&v=66f92f489d

Newsletter

The fall newsletter is at the printers today. You should find it in your mailbox next week. It has all of the details regarding the Oct 22 Blueberry Fall Shortcourse.

Surprise Global Gap Site Visit

Not that it matters since we all stay on top of food safety regulations but you may get a short notice (24 hour) inspection. If you received a Global Gap food safety inspection during the regular harvest season you may receive a follow up inspection. The follow up will not be as detailed but it will pay to stay on top of your record keeping. I believe the number is 10% of those previously inspected will get a follow up. My understanding is it is primarily a paperwork exercise but everything is on the table. You've been warned!!

October 22 Fall Meeting

If you are a vendor interested in having a booth at the Oct 22 meeting please contact Sheri Brothers berrygirl629@aol.com or myself to reserve space. The cost is $200 per booth. This includes lunch for one person. Additional lunches can be purchased for $12. Our last meeting in March 2009 was attended by approx 300 people. This is a great opportunity for vendors and members to talk directly about growers needs and available products.

USHBC

The USHBC fall meeting is set for Oct 15-17 in Portland OR. The schedule and information regarding the meeting can be found at the link below.

United States blueberry crop estimate. You can see Florida blueberry production is a very small amount of the total US production. It is estimated the US will produce 433 million pounds of highbush blueberries and 236 million pounds of lowbush. Of the 433 million pounds of highbush 60% will be sold for fresh and 40% process. total US per capita consumption of highbush blueberries is approximately 26 ounces per person, almost 4 ounces more than the previous year. This is very good news in tough economic times.

http://www.blueberry.org/calendar.htm

FOG Florida Organic Growers

Those of you who are growing organically or thinking about transitioning follow the link below. FOG can answer your questions about growing organically and help with funding for certification. October 15th is the deadline for funding applications so check out their website to learn more.

http://www.foginfo.org/

FBGA website

While the FBGA website is being overhauled it is not completely shutdown. Links to the library which contains numerous documents and presentations on disease identification and management, variety descriptions, etc are available. You can also pay your annual dues online with a credit card.