Blueberry Growers Getting New Export Market: Vietnam

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Good news for local blueberry growers, as Vietnam is reportedly opening its border for fresh blueberry imports from the United States this month.

A delegation from Vietnam toured the state’s blueberry region last summer, the tour was hosted by the Michigan Blueberry Commission. The delegation was interested in seeing the process used to make sure their product is stable for shipping. Area growers are planning for blueberry exports to Vietnam during this year’s growing season. Michigan’s production fell to a ten-year low in 2018 due to poor pollination conditions and extreme weather swings. According to the USDA, Michigan is normally among the top five blueberry producing states annually.

Vietnam imported close to $1.5 billion of fresh fruit and vegetables during the first ten months of 2018, that’s up 13 percent from 2017. Hopes are that Michigan will contribute more in 2019.