Michigan Grower Takes Reins at U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council
July 15, 2021 
Shelly Hartmann
The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) named Michigan blueberry grower Shelly Hartmann its new chair. Hartmann, who co-owns True Blue Farms with her husband Dennis, succeeds Chris Barnhill of North Carolina.
Serving on the USHBC board for 10 years, most recently as vice chair, Hartmann is actively involved in a number of other industry organizations and programs: the governor-appointed role of treasurer of the Michigan Blueberry Commission, a member of the board of the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program Advisory Council, and the planning committee for the National Blueberry Festival, which takes place annually in South Haven, MI.
“Shelly brings passion and dedication to the growth and success of the blueberry industry, and for these and many other reasons, I know she’ll be an excellent chairperson for our organization,” Kasey Cronquist, President of USHBC and North American Blueberry Council, said. “During Chris Barnhill’s tenure, we have made tremendous progress on initiatives that have driven blueberry demand, and Shelly’s enthusiasm and leadership will continue to drive the USHBC toward new opportunities and the innovation we need going forward.”
The Hartmanns started their farming operation in the early 1990s, although the family has been in the blueberry business for four generations. Today True Blue Farms is one of the largest growers in North America, producing and marketing millions of pounds of blueberries.
“Over the years I have seen first-hand a lot of success and opportunity unfold for the blueberry industry, and it has been especially exciting to serve on the USHBC board as we’ve entered an era of innovation,” Hartmann said. “As I embrace this new role, I’m looking forward to engaging more growers and stakeholders in our work as we shape how our industry continues to evolve into the future and prepare for the opportunities that lie ahead for blueberries.”
Hartmann will complete this year’s term and will be eligible to serve additional terms as chair of the USHBC.
Established in 2000, USHBC is a federal agriculture research and promotion program with independent oversight from USDA. USHBC represents blueberry growers and packers in North and South America who market their blueberries in the U.S. and overseas while working to promote the growth and well-being of the entire blueberry industry. USHBC was established by blueberry growers and currently represents 2,500 growers, packers, and importers. USHBC is committed to providing blueberries that are grown, harvested, packed, and shipped in clean, safe environments.
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