The Kids Who Made Blueberries the State Fruit of Mississippi

The Business of Blueberries

In this episode of “The Business of Blueberries,” host Kasey Cronquist, president of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) and the North American Blueberry Council (NABC), is joined by Mississippi State Rep. Jill Ford, fourth grade teacher Lisa Parenteau and students Logan and Nicole. Thanks to the creative collaboration of this team, the fourth grade class at Mannsdale Upper Elementary School was successful in lobbying for and passing a bill making blueberries the state fruit of Mississippi.

“Everybody can feel good about this. If you don't like blueberries, I'm sorry you're missing out, but you can at least be excited that these kids have the ability and the desire to do something outside of just reading it in a book.” - Mississippi State Rep. Jill Ford

Topics covered include:

• An introduction to Rep. Ford, Parentaeau and students Logan and Nicole.
• A retelling of the heartwarming journey this fourth grade class went on to make blueberries the state fruit of Mississippi.

Crop Report

The Blueberry Crop Report is an update on crop conditions and markets throughout important blueberry growing areas. Today you’ll hear from Derrin Wheeler in Georgia, Jody McPherson in North Carolina, Eric Stafne reporting for Mississippi and Louisiana, Matt Macrie in New Jersey, Pat Goin in Indiana, Elise Oliver in California, TJ Hafner in Oregon, Mario Ramirez in Mexico, and Alan Schreiber in Washington. This was recorded on May 17, 2023.