More than 500 blueberry growers will convene on Monday, Feb. 4 in Salem, OR, for the annual Oregon Blueberry Conference. The intensive one-day event highlights science, technology and valuable topics relating to the blueberry market at both the international and domestic level.
Bryan Ostlund
In recent years, demand and likewise production have increased significantly for fresh and processed blueberries. “The West Coast of North America has clearly emerged as the leading producer of fresh and frozen blueberries. Oregon specifically has proven to be one of the most consistent states for year-to-year production,” said Bryan Ostlund, administrator of the Oregon Blueberry Commission.
Industry leaders agree that fresh blueberries will continue to enjoy strong market growth with the western United States providing the lion’s share of production volume. Oregon alone produced 131 million pounds of blueberries in 2018.
“That speaks to the quality we can provide,” said Ostlund.
Attendees of the conference will be presented with the latest and most relevant insights from industry professionals. Speakers at the 2019 conference will include Dave Brazelton with Fall Creek Farm & Nursery, Leslie Wada with the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council and John Shelford with Naturipe Farms.
