Blueberry Order Continuation Referendum Scheduled for July 2026

The Agriculture Department’s Agricultural Marketing Service is formalizing a vote to decide whether the Blueberry Promotion, Research, and Information Order should stay in place. The order currently funds industry-wide promotion, research, and information programs for highbush blueberries.

Why it matters: This is a routine compliance step. The blueberry order has been in place for years, and federal rules require a vote every five years to keep the funding and program structure intact. If the order lapses, the industry loses its authorized mechanism for collecting assessments to fund promotion and research. For most consumers, there is no direct change. The outcome mainly affects blueberry growers, importers, and the trade groups that manage the current program.

Who it affects

• Highbush blueberry producers and importers who handled 2,000 pounds or more in 2025

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This notice comes from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service and outlines the procedures for the upcoming referendum; growers and importers should review the full Federal Register document and ballot instructions before the voting period begins.

Agency: Agriculture Department, Agricultural Marketing Service
Source: Federal Register — read the official document