“I think one of the most important messages we want to get out to the community is that New Jersey is the first state in the country to get involved with the blueberry industry,” said Denny Doyle, the chairman of the council for the last 10 years. “We all work extremely hard to get good, healthy and tasty products out to our consumers. I think the shopper really appreciates that and, hopefully, will get behind what we are growing in the state and support it by buying blueberries locally from New Jersey this season and always.”
Doyle is also quick to give a shoutout to local retailers, who are also supporting locally-produced blueberries. “It is just amazing the amount of support we get from retailers in New Jersey,” he noted, adding that in-store signage has played a big role at some retailers in educating shoppers. “They have always been very supportive of our products and carry them through the entire season. We love that so many of our retail partners are eager to spread the word to their shoppers that New Jersey blueberries are in, better than ever and ready to go.”
Doyle said that he expects an excellent crop this year. He explained that great pollination weather as well as the right amount of rain and sun has created near-perfect weather conditions for the crop. “We want to thank the honeybees for working very well this season for us,” he said. “They deserve to be recognized for all the work they did.”
He does not want to forget the growers in the state, which accounts for about 45 million pounds of blueberry production annually, the sixth largest harvest among states in the country.
“Our message to growers in the Garden State is to stay strong,” he said. “They work all year long to bring this great crop in and to keep thing running smoothly. They got the job done and I would just like to wish the best of luck to all blueberry growers in the state and let them know that the council is here to help them in any way. So, contact us if you find the need. We are here to help.”
Formed in 1990, the council is also designed to help blueberry growers in the state with pest control issues, work to help develop new varieties of blueberries that might thrive in the state’s unique soil and even work on government issues that benefit or protect the blueberry market.
“We just want the industry to remember that our focus at the council is to help develop newer varieties of blueberries in the state of New Jersey,” Doyle said. “We push hard to come up with a good flavorful berry that our consumers will love.”
The council is also a large supporter of the Integrated Pest Management program at Rutgers University that is designed to stop pests and disease from infiltrating the blueberry market in the state. Through this program, Doyle said, growers can meet with Rutgers experts and other key people to identify any risks to the industry.
