Annual Report

Eric Gerbrandt demonstrates how research is creating practical value for growers. His section highlights work in plant health, pest and disease management, horticulture, pollination, fruit quality, and sustainability, showing how grower-funded research is helping strengthen productivity, resilience, and long-term competitiveness.

He also illustrates the value of industry collaboration, showing how partnerships with growers, researchers, and government help extend the impact of research investment. His contribution reinforces how science is being translated into practical tools, improved production practices, and stronger decision making on farms.

Michael Dossett highlights the value of long-term investment in the BC Berry Breeding Program. His contribution showcases progress in developing improved blueberry varieties, including the milestone release of BCB001AAC, demonstrating how research and innovation can support higher yields, improved fruit quality, and stronger grower profitability.

He also shows the importance of a strong breeding pipeline, with new selections being tested for yield, firmness, flavour, vigor, and adaptability to BC growing conditions. His section reinforces how sustained investment in variety development can give growers access to more competitive, productive, and grower-friendly options for the future.

Dipin Vasudev brings the grower experience into focus by showing how expanded outreach is improving education, communication, and industry participation. Through Grower Days and Grower Clinics, his work demonstrates the value of bringing food safety guidance, compliance support, and Council resources directly to grower communities.

His contribution also highlights the impact of a more structured and accessible engagement model, which significantly expanded the Council’s reach across BC growing regions. By strengthening connections with growers and making support easier to access, his work helps build a more informed, engaged, and compliance-ready grower community.

Lovi Joshi highlights how stronger marketing and communications are building greater visibility for BC blueberries. Through a refreshed brand, new website, digital platforms, promotional campaigns, and buyer-focused communications, this section shows how the Council is strengthening its connection with growers, packers, consumers, and international markets.

His contribution demonstrates how a more modern and consistent brand presence can improve industry credibility, support grower engagement, and create stronger opportunities for market development. It also shows how marketing is helping position BC blueberries as a premium product while supporting the Council’s broader goals for growth and global competitiveness.

This section demonstrates how the Council is expanding international market opportunities and supporting a more globally competitive industry. Progress in Mexico, Thailand, the Philippines, and Europe highlights the value of market diversification, stronger regulatory and compliance systems, and continued international market development.

It also reflects early progress already being made, with approximately 13 percent of total production diversified to international markets and particularly strong diversification within frozen production. The section shows how developing new markets, re-engaging established ones, and modernizing export and compliance processes are helping strengthen BC blueberries’ international presence and create a broader foundation for future growth.

The financial section reinforces the Council’s commitment to strong governance, accountability, and responsible financial stewardship. It highlights the importance of transparent financial reporting, Board oversight, and clear performance measures in guiding how industry resources are managed.

The section also shows how funding is directed toward priorities that support growers, including the statutory commitment of at least 30 percent of annual levy revenue to research. Together, these measures demonstrate how disciplined financial management helps ensure Council resources are used responsibly and deliver measurable value to growers and stakeholders.

The Sponsors and Partners section recognizes the organizations that supported the BC Blueberry Council throughout the 2025–26 year. By acknowledging Gold, Silver, and Bronze sponsors, the report highlights the broader network of industry partners connected to the Council’s work.

Their inclusion reflects the importance of continued industry support and collaboration in strengthening the Council’s ability to serve BC blueberry growers and the sector as a whole.