Blueberry rule

Big Apple posts this link of a Federal Register rule about the importation of blueberries from Uruguay, South Africa and Argentina.

From the rule;
As a condition of entry, the blueberries will have to undergo cold treatment and will have to be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate issued by the national plant protection organization of the exporting country. This action will allow for the importation of blueberries from South Africa and Uruguay into the continental United States while continuing to provide protection against the introduction of quarantine pests. In addition, we are allowing the use of cold treatment for blueberries imported into the United States from Argentina. This action provides an alternative to the methyl bromide treatment that is currently required for blueberries imported from Argentina.

About the potential volume:

Argentina has supplied about 3 percent of the U.S. imports of fresh blueberries, or 880 metric tons, over the last 3 years. In 2006, Argentina reported 4,000 acres of land devoted to blueberry production, a 35 percent increase since 2003. The Uruguayan Government Statistics office indicates that Uruguay started producing blueberries in 2003, with 65 metric tons harvested that year. In the following 3 years, Uruguay produced 80, 120, and 200 metric tons, respectively. For 2007 through 2009, crop volumes of around 500, 1,200, and 2,000 metric tons are forecast. The Government of Uruguay has indicated its intention to export between 200 and 1,200 metric tons of fresh blueberries annually for the next 3 years starting in 2007, with 200 metric tons shipped annually to the continental United States (an amount that exceeds Uruguay's total exports of fresh blueberries in recent years).\3\ Even if this export target were met, imports from Uruguay will represent less than 1 percent of U.S. imports of fresh blueberries in 2006.
Uruguay's main export season for fresh blueberries is between November and April. During this season, the supply of fresh blueberries by U.S. producers is limited. Fresh blueberries are generally harvested in the United States by early May through the beginning of September. U.S. domestic shipments of fresh blueberries reach their highest volume between late June and mid-August. APHIS does not have data on South African production of blueberry fruits (Vaccinium spp.). Foreign Agricultural Service statistics indicate that South Africa exported an annual average of 75 metric tons of Vaccinium spp. between 2000 and 2004. Specifically, in 2000 the Republic of South Africa exported 3 metric tons, then in the following 4 years, 90, 83, 86, and 109 metric tons, respectively. In sum, the quantities of fresh blueberry expected to be imported into the United States from Uruguay and the Republic of South Africa are small, representing less than 1 percent of U.S. imports and less than one- tenth of 1 percent of the United States' domestic supply (production plus imports minus exports). Moreover, blueberry production in these two countries takes place during our winter months; their blueberry shipments to the United States would largely compete with blueberry imports from other countries. We do not expect the changes we are making to have a significant economic impact on U.S. entities.

Gene Sperling stories

Though I can't provide you Gene Sperling's insights into the presidential campaign (he requested his comments about the candidates remain off the record), he does retell a couple of funny anecdotes from his time serving President Clinton that I link to here. Sperling, now one of Hillary Clinton's economic advisors, spoke Sept. 14 at the Washington Public Policy Conference. Sperling is former White House National Economic Advisor and former director of the National Economic Council.

Jim Allen honored

At the Washington Public Policy Conference, United Fresh Produce Association President Tom Stenzel honors Jim Allen for his service to the industry. Stenzel credits Allen's passion on all issues, but particularly on the issues of immigration and nutrition. Here is the audio link to the presentation, which was a surprise to Allen.