International blueberry demand is increasing and the USDA is partnering with the industry and trade assocations, .jpg)
as well as other groups, to take advantage of that demand.
Through the Market Access Program (MAP), Foreign Agricultural Services (FAS) together with USDA partners with U.S. agricultural trade associations, cooperatives, state regional trade groups, and small businesses to share the costs of overseas marketing and promotional activities that help build commercial export markets for U.S. agricultural products and commodities.
Funding made available through the 2014 Farm Bill, supports marketing and promotional activities such as trade shows, market research, educational seminars and trade missions.
Through research, U.S. Highbrush Blueberry Council learned how different countries and regions use blueberries for health benefits. The Middle East is interested in blueberries to treat diabetes; in Asian countries there is a link between blueberries for health and beauty. To reach these markets, USHBC participates in the MAP through the Western United States Agricultural Trade Association (WUSATA), an State Regional Trade Group, whose members are the 13 western state departments of agriculture. WUSATA receives MAP funds to support small and mid-sized exporters, helping them explore and expand sales in international markets.
For more information on how the partnership works, check out the USDA's blog.
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