Supporting Blueberries in Vietnam, India, and South Korea!

Today, a win for the blueberry industry! The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council has been awarded $1.5 million in funding from the USDA’s Regional Agricultural Promotion Program, also known as RAPP. This comes after receiving $1.3 million earlier this year, bringing the total 2024 RAPP funding for the Council to $2.8 million.

RAPP was created to diversify and expand market opportunities for U.S. food and agricultural products in emerging global markets. According to Council President Kasey Cronquist, this second-round funding is a major boost for export promotion efforts. The grants will help build on its success in driving global consumption of blueberries, particularly in key markets like Vietnam, India, and South Korea.

Cronquist emphasized the importance of this funding, saying it supports their mission to showcase the quality, versatility, and health benefits of blueberries to new audiences worldwide.

This latest round of RAPP funding was highly competitive, with proposals far exceeding available funds. Ultimately, $300 million in grants will go to 67 partners. Since its launch, RAPP has invested $600 million to strengthen U.S. agriculture’s presence in emerging markets.