The Oregon Blueberry Commission opposes a large assessment increase, saying the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council didn’t present a plan on how funds would be invested or ultimately benefit Oregon or U.S. producers.

The council’s proposal would increase the assessment from $18 per ton to $50 per ton for fresh blueberries and $30 per ton for frozen fruit.

“Speaking on behalf of Oregon producers, the OBC expresses a very strong concern that an assessment increase of this magnitude will seriously jeopardize the viability of an already stressed Oregon grower base and business environment,” wrote Wally Lierman, commission chairman, in a March 13 statement.

Imported berries’ impact

He also noted the dominant position of imported blueberries in the U.S., specifically from Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada, and their impact on domestic supply, demand, pricing and grower returns.

“Imported fruit now represents more than 60% of domestic supply and consumption. The OBC is concerned the proposed assessment increase will place an inequitable burden on domestic growers for the marketing of international blueberries,” Lierman wrote.

More analysis needed

The Oregon Blueberry Commission unanimously voted to recommend a six-month pause to the assessment increase proposal so the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council could develop a more detailed analysis that includes checkpoints and a strategy for expenditures at several assessment level options.

Oregon blueberry commissioners also requested data showing the assessment other “check-off” commodities pay as a percentage of their farmgate value compared to current and proposed levels for the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council.

February meeting

The council brought growers together for a meeting in Salem, but debate erupted over protectionism and the organization’s international membership.

The additional funding would increase marketing for the overall blueberry industry with the goal of boosting demand and prices.

According to studies, similar efforts for other commodities have worked.

Proponents say that if the industry doesn’t grow demand it will stagnate and producer profits will plummet.

The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, Washington Blueberry Commission and California Blueberry Commission have been contacted for comment regarding this article.

More information will be added to this story as it becomes available.