BCBC Staff
The BC Blueberry Council is staffed by a small team and supported by external contractors as needed to fulfill promotional programs domestically and internationally. If you wish to learn more about the council and our activities, please contact us via email at info@bcblueberry.com or by phone at 604 864 2117.
Erick Rodriguez
Marketing and Public Relations Manager
Erick Rodriguez started working in the agriculture industry in 2023 after obtaining a two-year Post-Degree Diploma in Marketing and International Business Management at Douglas College.
Passionate about marketing and business development, Erick's experience comes from building a successful direct-to-consumer brand in Mexico's apparel industry in 2017. He started his journey in the agriculture industry, leading BC Agriculture Council's latest website redesign project, contributing to the BC Farmer ID Card's marketing strategy, and managing BCAC's email marketing and social media efforts.
With a keen interest in working with organizations that impact society, Erick is thrilled to have the opportunity to work for the BC Blueberry Council, organizing its domestic and international marketing efforts and public presence.
Karen Carter
Office and Finance Manager
In January 2021, Karen Carter was hired to manage office communications, finance, and grower education programming, under the title Finance and Office Manager. Karen processes and organizes essential project materials, ensuring the Council runs effective programming for its 600+ members. She works collaboratively within the office to provide the best support to the Council’s members, fostering relationships and building trust. Karen and her new puppy (Magnum!) liven up daily life in the office.
Eric Gerbrandt
Research Director
Eric Gerbrandt is a plant scientist with a specialization in applied horticultural research in berry crops. He serves as the Research Director for the BC Blueberry Council as well as BC’s raspberry and strawberry industry organizations, working to expand collaboration and research capacity with academic, private and government partners to improve the bottom line for berry growers.
Michael Dossett
Berry Breeder
Michael Dossett came to British Columbia in 2011 after completing his Masters and PhD in Horticulture at Oregon State University with the Corvallis USDA-ARS small fruit breeding program. Since 2013, he has led Blueberry, Raspberry, and Strawberry breeding efforts for the BC Industry in partnership with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. This program emphasizes the development and practical application of molecular and statistical tools for the development of new varieties that will meet the needs of growers and consumers.
Major Dhillon
Food Safety Coordinator
Major has worked as the Food Safety Coordinator at the BC Blueberry Council since 2014 and has over 20 years of experience in the highbush blueberry industry. Prior to working at the BC Blueberry Council, Major worked in blueberry production and nursery plants for 12 years. He has extensive educational and research background in Agronomy. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, and a Masters and PhD in Agronomy. In addition, he completed advanced training in Forestry/Agroforestry and their relation with land use at the University of Oxford. Major is responsible for providing support to highbush blueberry growers in acquiring CanadaGap certification through one-on-one education on farm food safety concerns and guidelines, audits and risk assessments. He helps to develop, adapt and improve good agriculture practices for the protection of natural resources. Major also assists blueberry growers to obtain cost share funding to mitigate food safety hazards on farms.