FOLSOM, CA - For some, September rings in the new school year. But for others, it’s graduation! The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council’s (USHBC) Blueberry Industry Leadership Program for the second class of fellows graduated in late September. The fellows also presented their capstone project—a vast library of resources for blueberry growers—at the event.

“It's been a pleasure to watch this talented and curious group expand their experiences, make new connections, and develop as blueberry industry leaders over the past two years,” said Amanda Griffin, Vice President of Engagement and Education, USHBC and the North American Blueberry Council (NABC). “We can’t wait to see the many ways these passionate ag professionals will help guide the blueberry industry into a bright future.”

The first-of-its-kind blueberry industry leadership program helps blueberry industry leaders grow their skill set, learn from decades-long industry leaders, and develop their network of connections. The in-depth, hands-on training features immersive learning experiences, engagement with key industry players, and exposure to the many components of the produce supply chain.

Here are the Class No. 2 graduates:

• Cecilia Allende, Sunny Valley International
• Chad Don, Oasis Farms
• Joseph Klick, Naturipe Farms
• Ben Lahr, Driscoll’s
• Kolby Lewis, Blue Raeven Farms
• Katiuska Morales, Camposol S.A.
• Sarah Quackenbush, North Bay Produce
• Ranjeet Randhawa, Ph.D., Fall Creek
• Kyle Straughn, Straughn Farms
• Joel Whitehead, Wish Farms

Class No. 2’s capstone project, a grower resources page now live on the USHBC website, provides growers with a one-stop-shop for information on federal and state programs on topics like farm loans, disaster assistance, risk management, sustainable agriculture, food safety, and more. This resource library will help growers reduce the time they would otherwise have to spend searching out this information on their own, a press release explained. It also helps highlight and emphasize the importance of these efforts as an industry by providing a consistent set of resources everyone can refer to.

To learn more about the program and learn who the fellows are for Class No. 3, already underway, click here for details.

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