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U.S. blueberries head to Vietnam

Vietnam has approved imports of fresh blueberries from the U.S.

Michigan Blueberry Commission Executive Director Kevin Robson says the new partnership is a result of several trade missions including a U.S. tour last summer that featured the state’s blueberry region.  He says even if Michigan blueberries aren’t the first to see access to the new market because of proximity, it’s still a win for Michigan and alleviates domestic pressure on the market. 

Oregon was the nation’s largest blueberry producer last year.  Michigan’s production hit a 10-year low in 2018 because of poor pollination conditions and extreme weather swings.

During the first 10 months of 2018, Vietnam imported nearly $1.5 billion of fresh fruits and vegetables, up 13 percent from the year before.