Chat - John Shelford

Blueberry industry veteran and consultant John Shelford on Feb. 13 took time for a Fresh Talk chat with The Packer's National Editor Tom Karst.



me: Good morning John. Thanks for taking time for a Fresh Talk chat.

berryman21: Good morning Tom.

10:07 AM me: I wanted to ask you about your beginnings in the industry. Where did you grow up and how did you get your start in the produce business?

10:10 AM berryman21: Born and reared in the New York's Finger Lakes on Seneca Lake, about thirty minutes from Cornell University - where many from the produce industry have attended United's training. Entered the produce industry in 1976 from an opportunity listed with Cornell's Agriculture College alumni placement office; graduated from Cornell in '67

10:11 AM me: What has been your proudest accomplishment relative to your work in the industry over the years?

7 minutes

10:19 AM berryman21: A single accomplishment is difficult to discern; but I believe the journey from 1982 becoming the CEO of MBG Marketing, a marketing cooperative of Michigan and Indiana blueberry growers, with $10mm sales, to 2007 being the President of Naturipe Farms, a partnership of grower owned organizations representing berry growers in every significant growing district in the Western Hemisphere, bringing together a team of highly dedicated professionals with a focus on serving customers well to serve growers superbly earning a berry industry leadership position.

10:20 AM me: You saw the ascent of blueberries as a superfood. That was quite a ride. What are you involved with right now? What's a typical week like for you?

6 minutes

10:27 AM berryman21: Today I remind active in the berry industry consulting Berry grower and marketing organizations; serving on United Fresh Produce Association's Board, and on the United Highbush Blueberry Council board. There is no 'typical' week as every week is truly unique. I continue to serve in Biblical teaching and mission ministries in our local church, and serve on the boards of Life Action Ministries and Revive Our Hearts. I also consult organizations on governance design using the "Policy Governance" model. The days are very full.

10:29 AM me: That is a packed schedule. I know you recently returned from a missions trip from India. How long have you served in that way? What makes it rewarding/meaningful to you?

9 minutes

10:39 AM berryman21: Carol and I have been involved in missions since 1969, and have lead teams of teenagers to South Korea, Sweden and Israel. Carol annually serves one week in Dominican Republic, and I have been to Russia a number of times with Fellowship of Christian Farmers, and last week to India, a first, with Big Life Ministries. It is meaningful and rewarding for the message is "good news," the message of a living Savior who arose and lives after having been crucified; a message that God our Creator loves man and provides a way of life that is authentic and true. Think of that in this world - a message that is authentic and true...this is nearly kin to being revolutionary.

10:41 AM me: I can tell that is a passion, and a worthy one. I have taken quite a bit of your time. One last question - you have been in many parts of the world and the country. Where would you like to retire?

10:44 AM berryman21: Interesting question. Unless the Lord moves us from Naples Florida we are not likely to leave here. Carol loves it here, below 70 deg F is cold to her, our grandchildren are ten minutes away, we have many friends here, and a world class airport is twenty minutes from our home.

10:45 AM me: John, it has been great to hear what is going on with your busy life. Thanks for your time.

berryman21: Tom,

10:46 AM Tom, thank you. It is always to pleasure to speak with you, to chat a bit when our paths cross. Blessings on your day!!!!

me: Thanks..talk to you soon