Blueberry Prices Hit By Imports and Beef-Pork Exports Up

Blueberry Prices Hit By Imports and Beef-Pork Exports Up

Bob Larson
Bob Larson
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with your Agribusiness Update.

**Blueberry production from California farms will peak during the next two weeks and marketers say that, combined with the pandemic and a surge of imports from Mexico, has driven prices lower.

The California Blueberry Commission says COVID-19 has slowed demand at both retail and restaurants as California builds toward a record crop.

The commission says some farmers may have to decide whether to harvest all their blueberries this year.

**Global demand for U.S. pork and beef has remained very robust in 2020, despite COVID-19 related disruptions in many countries' restaurant and hospitality sectors.

That’s according to U.S. Meat Export Federation President Dan Halstrom who says retail meat demand has surged in many markets, along with sales through e-commerce platforms and delivery services.

Halstrom cautions first quarter export results did not reflect recent interruptions in the U.S. supply chain, but anticipates some negative impact on April and May exports.

**The National Bison Association welcomes news that the Government of Mexico has formally opened its doors to import U.S. bison meat, a new market for them.

Executive Director, Dave Carter says the Mexican marketplace offers a growth opportunity and many consumers in Mexico tend to favor cuts of meat that are not in high U.S. demand.

USDA Foreign Ag Service formally petitioned Mexico in 2018 to open their market to U.S. bison meat.

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