NABC SPRING BOARD MEETING MEETING MINUTES March 1, 2017

NABC President Bob Carini called the 2017 NABC Spring Board Meeting to Order at 10:10am on Wednesday, March 1, 2017, at the Crowne Plaza Phoenix Airport Hotel, Phoenix, Arizona. Roll call by NABC Secretary Ken Patterson showed the following NABC Members in attendance:

Agricare, Inc Clear Springs Company North Bay Produce, Inc. Alma Sunbelt Blueberries Cornerstone Ag Enterprises, LLC North Carolina Blueberry Council Atlantic Blueberry Company Diamond Blueberry, Inc. O-G Packing Company, Inc. British Columbia Blueberry Dole Fresh Vegetables Oregon Blueberry Commission Council (SunnyRidge) Berryhill Foods, Inc. Driscoll’s Pan-American Berry Growers, LLC Biln Farms, Ltd First Pick Farms Parsat Enterprises, LTD Black River Blueberry, Inc. Florida Blueberry Growers Riverbend Organic Farms, LLC Association Blueberries of Indiana Gingerich Farms Products, Inc. Silver Valley Farms Blueberry Hill Farms, Inc. Goin’s Blueberry Farm Sunny Valley International, Inc. Brookside Farms Hurst’s Berry Farm True Blue Berry Management California Blueberry Assoc. Island Grove Ag Products True Blue Farms California Blueberry Commission Ivanhoe Blueberry Farms, Inc. Washington Blueberry Commission Carini Farms Jubilee Blueberry Farms, LLC Winzler Farms Carolina Blueberry Association MBG Marketing Wish Farms Carter Farms, Inc. Naturipe Farms, LLC Woodland Enterprises, Inc. Chambers Brothers Blueberries, New Jersey Blueberry Council LLC

NABC Officers in attendance were Bob Carini (President), Tom Bodtke (1st Vice President), Tom Avinelis (2nd Vice President), Ken Patterson (Secretary), Neil Moore (Past President), Legislative Consultant Dan Haley and NABC Executive Director Mark Villata were also in attendance.

Following roll call (agenda item #1), President Carini asked if there were any additions to the current meeting agenda (agenda item #2). As there were none, for agenda item number two Carini asked for approval of minutes from the last Board Meeting held on October 5, 2016 (agenda item #3). All members and alternates had received an emailed copy of the minutes following the October meeting. Ken Patterson moved, with a second from Mark Hurst, to approve the minutes as written. The motion carried.

The NABC 2016 crop report was the fourth item on the agenda. NABC Representatives provided 2016 figures from their states and regions. Based on these updates the North American Highbush

Crop for 2016 totals 766.4 million pounds (383.5 million pounds fresh and 382.9 million pounds process, up from 750.2 million pounds total in 2015) (See Exhibit #1).

The fifth item on the agenda, the NABC Online Inventory Reporting Update, was presented by NABC Staff Compliance Coordinator, Rick Ruckman. Ruckman explained how the tool will work which will provide more extensive data on cold storage holdings than the current USDA cold storage report (see sample in Exhibit #2). The Online Inventory Reporting tool (a voluntary report) is planned to be implemented in March or April of 2017. It was suggested that the NABC include a link to the tool on its website. A confidentiality agreement was also proposed to be included with the new online tool Carini emphasized the importance of all frozen packers participation and utilizing the online tool to better track frozen inventory. Ruckman noted that the tool would be a good opportunity to grow the NABC membership as well. A discussion occurred as to whether there would be value in pursuing differentiation between lowbush and highbush berries in the report and this will be taken into consideration.

Item six on the agenda was the NABC Finance Committee and Treasurer Report. NABC President Bob Carini called upon NABC Finance Committee Chairman Tom Avinelis for the Finance Report. Avinelis opened his report noting the NABC had received a clean audit again in 2016. The NABC audit and results confirmed that all NABC financial operations are being reported fairly and that all material respects operate under the GAP procedures (see Exhibit #3). A copy of the 2016 Audit will be sent to all NABC Members following today’s meeting.

Avinelis then reviewed the NABC Profit & Loss Budget versus Actual Report and noted that NABC income was +$20,000 over the projected income budget, and all budgeted categories came in under budget (with some small line item overages for Office Rent, Computer IT Service, Legislative Representation, Depreciation and Administrative Staff Travel) (see Exhibit #4). Avinelis reviewed the NABC Balance Sheet Comparison between 2016 and the previous year nothing that cash in the bank is down -$36,763 and totals $227,320.89. Accounts receivable (which are primarily dues for USHBC fees) are up +$90,475 and total $187,700. Total Liabilities increased by +$6,291 over the previous year (See Exhibit #5).

Avinelis updated the Board on NABC dues collections noting that a total of $130,800 in dues were received from the 2015 crop to fund the 2016 program. As of March 1, 2017, a total of $78,950 has been received in dues from the 2016 crop collections with additional dues expected. To date we have 111 NABC grower members, up from 101 in 2016, and 36 associate members, which is down from 37 the previous year (See Exhibit #6).

Avinelis then reviewed projected funds for 2017. Based on current figures we now project a total of $580,317 in funds available for 2017 up from the total of $504,778 projected at the Fall 2016 meeting. This total is based on current cash, receivables, dues still expected to be collected and our 2017 service fee from the USHBC, less our accounts payable (see Exhibit #7). Avinelis noted that the NABC is continuing to build its cash reserves each year to support future opportunities or needs.

Avinelis followed with a report on the Recommended Revised 2017 Budget based on these revised income figures. The revised budget includes $8,500 budgeted for Good Practices, General Expenses budgeted at $48,950, Administration Expenses at $201,181, Travel and Meeting expenses at $55,600, and Uncommitted Expenses at $265,769 for a total of $580,000 (see Exhibit #8).

Avinelis then noted that through the previous year’s internal audit an updated payment procedure was recommended to the USHBC for direct deposits and wire transfers for invoices over $25,000 and the NABC Finance Committee suggests NABC adopt this procedure as well (See Exhibit #9).

President Carini entertained a motion to accept the Finance Committee Report and recommendations. Mark Hurst moved with a second from Ken Patterson to approve the 2017 budget of $580,000 as allocated. Motion carried.

Lorrie Merker motioned to approve the $25,000 updated payment procedure, seconded by Pat Goin. Motion carried.

The audit report was motioned to be approved by Tom Bodtke, seconded by Mark Hurst. The motion carried.

Agenda item number seven was the NABC Legislative Committee Update. President Carini called on Legislative Committee Chairman Tom Bodtke to report on the Legislative Committee activities. Bodtke noted no formal meeting of his committee had been scheduled to date but introduced Legislative Consultant Dan Haley who provided an update on recent NABC concerns, an update on recent actions in Washington D.C. and the new administration as well as what possible changes will be coming with the new administration now in office.

Haley also discussed progress being made in our efforts to gain fresh blueberry market access to China and other markets; the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) related to child nutrition re-authorization; the recent withdrawal of agreement from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP); discussed the EPA; immigration issues; Organic Regulation; Regulatory Reform; and NAFTA (See his report in Exhibit #10).

The eighth item on the agenda was an update on the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) President Carini called upon Tom Jones of the Safe Food Alliance for his report. Jones explained the FSMA and the key rules that have been published; Preventive Controls Rule, Produce Safety Rule, Foreign Supplier Verification Program, Accreditation of Third-Party Auditors, Sanitary Transportation of Food and Feed, and Intentional Contamination. The FSMA was signed into law in 2011 and requires preventative controls, risk based inspections and science based standards for all fruits and vegetables. He noted timing of this program, exemptions and training (See Exhibit #11). He offered the Safe Food Alliance as a good source of training for those interested. It was also noted that the NABC office can provide additional information on the FSMA upon request.

The ninth item was an Update on Organic Certification of Container and Greenhouse Growing methods. President Carini called on Denny Doyle for this update. Doyle explained that this issue involved more closely defining organic production practices and whether plants grown in substrates in containers are to be considered organic.

A considerate discussion followed as to whether the NABC should take a position on this and issue a statement.

After much debate and a vote showing an even split on this issue it was decided that this issue needs to be addressed by the Organic Industry and no action should be taken on this by the NABC.

Mark Hurst moved, with a second from Lorrie Merker, to table this issue for no further discussion. The motion carried.

Agenda item number ten was the approval of new grower and associate member applicants and an update on discontinued NABC memberships. NABC President Carini called on Mark Villata to report. Villata reported the NABC had received five new grower applicants; Blueberry Lake Farm, Inc – Pulaski, Wisconsin, J & D Blueberry Farm – Poplarville, Mississippi, Wolff Lake Farm – Fruitport, Michigan, Meduri Farms, Inc. – Dallas, Oregon, Penner Ag Inc. – Dinuba, California. He also noted one associate member applicant: RainSweet Inc – Salem, Oregon. Chris Barnhill asked Villata to add SweetBerry Farms, LLC -- Ivanhoe, North Carolina to the list of new grower applicants. Villata reported that there were no members to be discontinued at this time. At the close of this discussion Lorrie Merker moved with a second from Tom Bodtke to accept the six new NABC grower applicants. Motion carried. Mark Hurst moved with a second from Chris Barnhill to accept the one new associate member. Motion carried.

Item eleven on the agenda was an update from the NABC Membership Subcommittee on modifying the associate membership level. President Carini called on Tom Bodtke to give the update. Bodtke explained the purpose of the change is to clarify the distinction between an associate member and a regular member as well as to split the associate levels into a Blue Level and a Gold Level. The Gold Level would receive all the benefits of the blue level but would also get additional benefits in the way of statistical information (See Exhibit #12). The Committee also recommended the inclusion of handlers in the membership article of the NABC Bylaws. These modifications had been sent out to the Board prior to todays meeting. Tom Bodtke moved to accept the differentiation of the associate memberships and By-Law modification, seconded by Mark Hurst. The motion carried.

Agenda item twelve was the Berry Organization Update. President Carini called on Denny Doyle to give the update regarding National Berry Crops Initiative (NBCI). Doyle noted that the NBCI recently had a conference call to discuss the upcoming Berry Health Benefits Symposium being held March 28-30, 2017 in Pismo Beach, California. The symposium includes presentations by a number of health researchers including many currently conducting blueberry research for the USHBC.

Verne Gingerich gave a report on the International Blueberry Organization (IBO) and their most recent meeting in Berlin on February 7, 2017. The IBO now has 71 members from 14 countries. The next IBO summit will be in China on September 7, 2017. The following summit will be in the summer of 2019 in British Columbia, Canada.

Item thirteen on the agenda was to select NABC Officers for the March 2, 2017 to February 29, 2019 term; Tom Bodtke (NABC President), Tom Avinelis (1st Vice President), Ken Patterson (2nd Vice President), John Galletta (Secretary), Art Galletta (Treasurer), Lorrie Merker (Assistant Treasurer), and Bob Carini (Past President) were elected. Denny Doyle motioned to close nominations and confirm these candidates. Ken Patterson gave a second to the motion and the motion carried.

President Carini asked if there were any additional items to discuss that were not included on the agenda. A request was made that research and background information be provided to members in the future before being asked to take a position on important issues. Staff will take this into account.

President Carini noted the next NABC and USHBC meetings are scheduled for October 11 to October 13, 2017 at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

There being no further business, President Carini entertained a motion to adjourn the meeting. Denny Doyle so moved, with a second from Mark Hurst. The motion carried and the meeting was adjourned at 1:05pm.

Exhibit #1

2013 FINAL CROP 2014 FINAL CROP 2015 FINAL CROP 2016 FINAL CROP REGION REPORT REPORT 02/26/15 REPORT 03/02/16 REPORT 03/1/2017 Highbush Western Region Fresh Process Total Fresh Process Total Fresh Process Total Fresh Process Total

British Columbia 55.0 65.0 120.0 60.0 92.0 152.0 66.0 104.0 170.0 50.0 110.0 160.0 California 44.0 9.9 53.9 41.3 13.4 54.7 42.0 20.0 62.0 38.1 19.5 57.6 Oregon 41.6 47.5 89.1 38.4 48.1 86.5 37.8 57.9 95.7 51.0 65.1 116.1 Washington 22.0 58.0 80.0 28.0 65.5 93.5 23.0 80.0 103.0 29.0 91.0 120.0 Mexico 16.0 0.2 16.2 23.1 0.2 23.3 27.0 0.0 27.0 34.1 0.9 35.0 Sub-Total 178.6 180.6 359.2 190.8 219.2 410.0 195.8 261.9 457.7 202.2 286.5 488.7 Midwest Region Illinois 1.2 0.0 1.2 1.9 0.0 1.9 1.4 0.0 1.4 1.6 0.0 1.6 Indiana 2.0 1.0 3.0 1.6 0.4 2.0 1.2 0.3 1.5 1.2 0.4 1.6 Michigan 47.0 67.0 114.0 47.0 50.1 97.1 42.0 31.0 73.0 45.0 55.0 100.0 Others 1/ 0.3 0.0 0.3 0.5 0.0 0.5 0.4 0.0 0.4 1.0 0.0 1.0 Sub-Total 50.5 68.0 118.5 51.0 50.5 101.5 45.0 31.3 76.3 48.8 55.4 104.2 Northeast Region New Jersey 53.0 12.0 65.0 50.0 5.0 55.0 39.0 6.0 45.0 30.0 5.5 35.5 New York 1.8 0.0 1.8 1.5 0.0 1.5 1.7 0.0 1.7 1.0 0.0 1.0 Ontario 2.0 0.0 2.0 2.0 0.0 2.0 2.0 0.0 2.0 2.0 0.0 2.0 Others 2/ 0.4 0.0 0.4 0.2 0.0 0.2 0.4 0.0 0.4 0.1 0.0 0.1 Sub-Total 57.2 12.0 69.2 53.7 5.0 58.7 43.1 6.0 49.1 33.1 5.5 38.6 Southern Region Alabama 0.7 0.0 0.7 0.5 0.0 0.5 0.5 0.0 0.5 0.2 0.0 0.2 Arkansas 0.5 0.0 0.5 0.5 0.0 0.5 0.5 0.0 0.5 0.1 0.0 0.1 Florida 20.0 1.5 21.5 17.0 0.0 17.0 25.3 0.0 25.3 13.0 0.5 13.5 Georgia 32.0 36.0 68.0 58.0 38.0 96.0 47.0 38.0 85.0 45.0 22.0 67.0 Louisiana 1.0 0.0 1.0 1.0 0.0 1.0 1.0 0.0 1.0 1.0 0.0 1.0 Mississippi 2.0 1.0 3.0 4.5 4.7 9.2 3.0 1.0 4.0 4.5 2.0 6.5 North Carolina 28.0 11.0 39.0 37.3 11.2 48.5 36.9 12.0 48.9 34.0 11.0 45.0 Texas 1.5 0.0 1.5 1.0 0.0 1.0 1.0 0.0 1.0 0.3 0.0 0.3 Others 3/ 0.6 0.0 0.6 0.9 0.0 0.9 0.9 0.0 0.9 1.3 0.0 1.3 Sub-Total 86.3 49.5 135.8 120.7 53.9 174.6 116.1 51.0 167.1 99.4 35.5 134.9 HIGHBUSH TOTAL: 372.6 310.1 682.7 416.2 328.6 744.8 400.0 350.2 750.2 383.5 382.9 766.4 Exhibit #1

2013 FINAL CROP 2014 FINAL CROP 2015 FINAL CROP 2016 FINAL CROP REGION REPORT 02/26/14 REPORT 02/26/14 REPORT 03/02/16 REPORT 03/1/2017

Fresh Process Total Fresh Process Total Fresh Process Total Fresh Process Total Lowbush: + Maine 0.5 89.5 90.0 0.6 103.8 104.4 0.5 99.5 100.0 4.0 103.0 107.0 Nova Scotia 0.0 37.0 37.0 0.0 62.0 62.0 0.0 65.0 65.0 0.0 65.0 65.0 Quebec 2.0 28.0 30.0 0.0 77.0 77.0 1.3 48.7 50.0 5.0 115.0 120.0 New Brunswick 0.0 40.0 40.0 0.0 60.0 60.0 0.0 78.0 78.0 0.0 83.0 83.0 Newfoundland 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Prince Edward Island 0.0 15.0 15.0 0.0 22.7 22.7 0.0 27.8 27.8 0.0 34.0 34.0 LOWBUSH TOTAL: 2.5 209.5 212.0 0.6 326.5 327.1 1.8 319.0 320.8 9.0 400.0 409.0

GRAND TOTAL: 375.1 519.6 894.7 416.8 655.1 1071.9 401.8 669.2 1071.0 392.5 782.9 1175.4

1/ Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin 2/ Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts,New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia 3/ Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee +Estimates from Industry Sources Exhibit #2 SAMPLE Exhibit #2 SAMPLE Exhibit #3

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT

To the Board of Directors North American Blueberry Council, Inc. Folsom, California

Report on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying financial statements of the North American Blueberry Council, Inc. (the "Council"), a nonprofit organization, which comprise the statements of financial position as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related statements of activities and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes to the financial statements.

Management's Responsibility for the Financial Statements

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; this includes the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditor's Responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor's judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity's preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity's internal control. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

Opinion

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of North American Blueberry Council, Inc. as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the changes in its net assets and its cash flows for the years then ended, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

February 21, 2017 Roseville, California Exhibit #4 Exhibit #4 Exhibit #5 Exhibit #6 Exhibit #7 North American Blueberry Council 2017 Revised Budget Exhibit #8 March 1, 2017 2017 NABC RECOMMENDED BUDGET March 1, 2017

610.00 Good Practices 610.03 TMT Retainer/Crisis Plan Maintenance 8,500 Total 610.00 Good Practices Total 8,500

700.00 General Expenses 700.10 Calyx Newsletter 2,500 700.20 Presentations/Samples 0 700.30 Office Rent 5,200 700.40 Office Insurance/County Taxes 120 700.50 Subscriptions 1,850 700.60 Printing 1,600 700.70 Office Supplies 1,100 700.80 Phone/Fax 3,000 700.81 Computer IT Service 4,300 700.90 Equipment/Repairs/Maintenance 500 700.100 Equipment Rental 1,200 700.110 Postage/Shipment 1,100 700.120 Auto Allowance 780 700.130 Bank Charges 1,000 700.140 Officers Liability Insurance 2,100 700.145 Bonding Insurance 2,000 700.150 Commodity Coalition Initiative 0 700.155 NCAE Membership 1,900 700.157 NBCI Membership 2,500 700.158 IBO Dues 2,000 700.159 Inventory Reporting Tool 12,135 700.160 General Unallocated Expenses 2,065 Total 700.00 General Expenses 48,950

800.00 Administration Expenses 800.10 Salaries, PR Taxes, Insurances 70,251 800.110 California Worker's Comp 690 800.120 Bookkeeping Service 4,500 800.121 Retirement Program Administration 495 800.130 Legal/Audit Fees 11,200 800.134 Trade Monitoring 13,920 800.135 Legislative Representation 82,000 800.136 Agricultural Coalition for Immigration Reform 1,000 800.140 Depreciation 125 800.150 Administrative Unallocated Expense 15,000 800.160 Federal Taxes 2,000 800.170 Issues Management 0 Total 800.00 Administration Expenses 201,181

850.00 Travel and Meeting Expenses 850.10 Executive Director Travel 1,800 850.15 Administrative Staff Travel 2,750 850.20 Officer & Member Travel 18,050 850.30 Meetings 25,000 850.40 Ambassador Program (NABC) 8,000 Total 850.00 Total and Meeting Expenses 55,600

900.00 Uncommitted Expenses 265,769 Total Budget 580,000 Exhibit #9

USHBC Payment of Invoices Exceeding $25,000

USDA Approved – 1/30/17 As needed, the USHBC office will set up direct deposit payment arrangements for approved vendors who submit invoices exceeding $25,000. Direct deposit arrangements will only be made to approved vendors. USHBC staff will obtain email approval of the vendor from the USHBC Treasurer and USHBC Finance Committee Chairman before any direct payment arrangement is initiated for a specific vendor. A list of approved vendors will be maintained by the USHBC office with copies of the list shared with the USHBC Finance Committee Chairman, USHBC Treasurer, USHBC Executive Director and USHBC Bookkeeper. (Note: Only vendors with direct deposit to US banks will be on the approved vendor list). All invoices for any amount are reviewed and signed off by the USHBC Assistant Manager and USHBC Executive Director before forwarding to the USHBC bookkeeper for payment. If payment is over $25,000 and is not on the approved direct deposit vendor list, payment will be made by wire transfer rather than by direct deposit. The vendor invoice will continue to require approval and signature by the USHBC Assistant Manager, USHBC Executive Director and the USHBC Finance Committee Chairman or Treasurer. Wire transfers are handled by the bank and direct deposits will be completed by the USHBC Bookkeeper. Upon receipt of an invoice that exceeds $25,000 from a vendor who has been approved for direct payment, the USHBC Assistant Manager will review the invoice for accuracy and approve for payment. As with all invoices regardless of amount, the invoice is then stamped by the USHBC Assistant Manager with an approval stamp which also indicates the budget general ledger account number to charge for this payment. The approved and assigned invoice is then sent on for signed approval by the USHBC Executive Director. Once these two signatures (USHBC Assistant Manager and USHBC Executive Director) are obtained the signed invoice for a payment over $25,000 is then scanned and sent to the USHBC Finance Committee Chairman (or USHBC Treasurer) for review and signature. Upon receipt of scanned approval from the Finance Committee Chairman (or Treasurer) their approval is attached to the invoice and placed in an interoffice envelope to be picked up by the USHBC Bookkeeper and entered in Accounts Payable with the proper month and account to be charged along with the invoice number and amount. If the payment will be paid via wire transfer, the USHBC Bookkeeper creates a wire transfer request with the bank to pay these approved invoices via wire transfer. The wire transfer requests are forwarded to the Executive Director for approval. Once approval signature is obtained on the wire transfer request, the request is then sent by the USHBC office to the bank and a copy of the signed wire transfer request is attached to the paid invoice. If payment will be paid via direct deposit, the USHBC Bookkeeper creates an ACH transfer, from the approved invoice, through the accounting software, and it is then transmitted to the vendor’s bank. A direct deposit confirmation will be printed by the USHBC Bookkeeper and sent to the USHBC office for attachment to the paid invoice. When the bank statement arrives it is then reconciled and also reviewed by the USHBC Executive Director and USHBC Finance Committee Chairman (or Treasurer). Exhibit #10

H A L E Y & A S S O C I A T E S 50 F STREET, NW, SUITE 900 WASHINGTON, DC 20001 202/879-0839

NORTH AMERICAN BLUEBERRY COUNCIL ISSUE BRIEF

Washington DC Update

As you know Washington DC is a different place today than it was a few short months ago. It would not be an understatement to say that seismic changes in our body of politic are underway and events are unfolding at a pace no one ever imagined. While the Trump Administration has received credit for his supreme court pick Neil Gorsuch and putting together an excellent national security team, some of his domestic cabinet picks are still receiving scrutiny. Two of the most consequential cabinet appointees for specialty crops are the Administrator of EPA and the Secretary of Agriculture. For EPA, Scott Pruitt was confirmed and began work last week. Regulatory reform will be his mandate, a welcomed change for most business interests. Going forward we can expect EPA will be sued at every turn by environmental and public interest groups so his experience as former Attorney General of Oklahoma should come in handy. Former Georgia Governor Sonny Purdue has been nominated as Secretary of Agriculture and awaits his confirmation hearing in the Senate Ag Committee. By all accounts he should be easily confirmed.

While the presidential executive orders have been issued at dizzying speed many are symbolic in nature and really just a down payment on key campaign promises. This means we have an idea what the Trump Administration has in mind for policy on Obama-Care, immigration, infrastructure, taxes, trade and entitlements but none of the specifics. One of the most important if not the most important discussions is how all these policies will relate to the debt and the deficit. I believe this is where all the fault lines exist for the Administration, Congress and the press. The Trump Administration will have to prioritize what they want to do first but also make key decisions how major policy initiatives will be paid for. At this time there is no agreement amongst the republican majorities in congress, who have to write legislation and provide the funding. All this while partisan politics is like a fever rising and a press corps that is bouncing off the walls. For agriculture these will be trying times as we try and write a 2018 Farm Bill and engage the new administration on two signature issues of trade and immigration. As I have said before “buckle your seat belt” we are in for interesting times.

Immigration

It is no surprise that immigration has been the subject of the early executive orders and more are on the way. While the Administration suffered an early set back in federal court on the temporary travel ban that issue should be resolved soon. These immigration policies were a pillar of the campaign and deal with the wall, border security and priority for enforcement. While there is no doubt that the administration has expanded the scope of who can be deported, it is still not clear how this will effect agricultural operations. Most experts have concluded that an agricultural worker who provides fraudulent documentation for employment is subject to Exhibit #10

deportation under the executive orders. While this is true the most recent order has clearly targeted criminal aliens and those that have final orders of deportation but are still here. We have had numerous administration officials indicate that law-abiding undocumented workers will not be targeted and will not be a priority for enforcement. While this is not the ideal place to be it is a far cry from the fearmongoring on the left that 10 million people will be rounded up and deported. For the so-called “dreamers” the administration has gone as far as to say they may seek legislation from congress to deal with them. Lastly we believe an executive order is being prepared to support the use of e-verify in hiring. While it will take an act of congress to mandate e-verify on private employers the federal government could require it to be eligible for government contracts. This is an extremely important issue for specialty crops. The ACIR and AWC have been steadfast that agriculture can only accept a mandatory e-verify system if it is coupled with a workable guest worker program. Without a program for a legal workforce agriculture will strongly oppose e-verify.

Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP)

Last year the Child Nutrition Reauthorization Program was amended to include dried, frozen and canned fruits and vegetables otherwise known as “all forms”. Unfortunately because of the election Congress never completed action on the legislation. There are vast differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill but there will be an attempt to reconcile those differences and pass legislation this year. This is a billion dollar program over 10 years and including “all forms” of fruit and vegetables in the bill for the first time will be extremely important. Exposing children to dried, frozen and canned fruit and vegetables at such an early age will help them develop healthy eating habits for now and in the future.

China Market Access

With all the discussions between China and the US on trade, currency manipulation and territory disputes, our petition for market access is all the more important to complete this year. According to recent communications between APHIS and AQSIQ in China progress is still being made. At the last bi-lateral meeting both agencies exchanged information on the Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) and agreed to a possible Chinese site trip to the US growing regions this spring. APHIS has indicated it has received information about pests of concern and mitigation measures from the Pacific Northwest but still needs information from other blueberry growing areas. APHIS says they renewed this request for information February 2017. The US government continues to be optimistic an agreement can be completed this year.

Organic Regulation

Organic rules governing containers and greenhouse production of berries was discussed at the National Organic State Board (NOSB) last fall. Basically the issue is whether berries grown in anything but soil should be able to claim the organic label. This would be a change in policy and would deny organic certification to berry producers that are hydroponic or use other substrate technologies for production. While the NSOB took no action at the time, this issue persists and will be revisited. This issue has a long history being recommended several years back by a small contingent of organic farmers. Going forward there will be new NOSB members appointed and Exhibit #10

the new Administration will take a fresh look at the policy. It is important to note that no matter what the NSOB recommends it is up to USDA to make a final decision and implement rulemaking. Hopefully the NABC can debate the issue and take a clear position.

Regulatory Reform

One of the most important policies of the new administration will be regulatory reform. The administration has promised to rollback anti-growth and anti-business regulations and be a check on future regulations. The administration has put a freeze on all proposed regulations and a 60- day review of others. Regulations in the pipe line not finalized or published in the federal register will go through a brand new review and either be withdrawn or allowed to go into effect. Regulations that have been finalized will also be reviewed and if necessary new rulemaking procedures will be initiated to change or repeal them. These regulations cover everything including directing permits for the XL pipeline to rewriting regulations at EPA. These could include WOTUS, greenhouse emissions, workplace pesticide standards, pollinator health and organic regulations at USDA. Going forward the administration has directed federal agencies to repeal two regulations of equal value to every one regulation they propose. This will be complicated to implement but interesting to watch. Lastly the Congress has its own regulatory review legislation that will be a further check on federal government action. All in all, this area of reform can have real and lasting effects for agriculture.

Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)

As you know the Trump Administration took the formal step of withdrawing from the TPP and by doing so killed the agreement. This was a blow to specialty crop agriculture that by any measure was a key beneficiary of the agreement. It was also a key campaign issue and certainly not a surprise to anyone. That said, the questions arises what if anything can be done to save parts of the agreement and or begin bi-lateral discussion with some or more of the eleven countries that were signatory to the agreement. Japan was a key market involved and discussions have already begun about possibilities of a separate agreement. It is clear to most experts that if the US does nothing, the influence of China in Asia will increase dramatically. Negotiations with the UK have also begun in earnest.

NAFTA

One of the other key campaign promises of the Trump Administration is the re-negotiation of NAFTA. After a recent visit by the Prime Minister of Canada it is clear that any renegotiation will target provisions with Mexico not Canada. In the Canadian discussions it was a consensus that the NAFTA agreement was old, dated and needed to be “refreshed” with Canada. With Mexico the Administration has made it clear any renegotiation will be directed to restore manufacturing jobs in the US. This will be a much more difficult task and necessitate a top to bottom negotiation. For agriculture there were winners and losers in NAFTA. That said, there is now a large segment of agriculture who have benefited and are very nervous about rolling back their gains. At this point in time it is unclear how the Administration will proceed but it will be worth watching carefully. Exhibit #11

STANDARDS FOR PRODUCE SAFETY Coverage and Exemptions/Exclusions for 21 PART 112

The Preventive Controls for Human Food rule clarified the definition of a farm to cover two types of farm operations, primary production farms and secondary activities farms. The same definition is used in the Produce Safety rule (section 112.3(c)). Below are basic criteria that determine whether an operation that meets the definition of “farm” is subject to the produce rule.

Does your farm grow, Your farm is harvest, pack or hold produce? NO NOT covered Sections 112.1 and 112.3(c) by this rule. We define “produce” in section 112.3(c).

YES

Does your farm on average (in the previous three years) have $25k or less Your farm is in annual produce sales? YES NOT covered by this rule. Section 112.4(a)

Is your produce one of the commodities that FDA has identified as rarely consumed raw? Section 112.2(a)(1) This product is If you grow, harvest, pack or hold more YES NOT covered than one produce commodity, you must by this rule. ask this question separately for each one to determine whether that particular produce commodity is covered by this rule.

Is your produce for personal/on-farm This produce is consumption? YES NOT covered Section 112.2(a)(2) by this rule.

Is your produce intended for commercial This produce is eligible processing that adequately reduces for exemption from the rule, pathogens (for example, commercial YES provided you make certain statements in documents processing with a “kill step”)? E accompanying the produce, obtain certain written assurances, and keep certain documentation, as per Section 112.2(b) Sections 112.2(b)(2) through (b)(6). NO

Does your farm on average (in the previous three years) as per Section 112.5: have < $500k annual food sales, AND a majority of the food (by value) sold directly to “qualified end-users”? Section 112.3(c) Your farm is eligible for a “Qualified End-User” as defined in qualified exemption from this rule, Section 112.3(c) means: YES which means that you must comply with certain E modified requirements and keep certain • the consumer of the food OR documentation, as per Sections 112.6 and 112.7. • a restaurant or retail food establishment that is located— (i) in the same State or the same Indian reservation as the farm that produced the food; OR (ii) not more than 275 miles from such farm. (The term “consumer” does not include a business.)

NO Created November 13, 2015

YOU ARE COVERED BY THIS RULE. Exhibit #12

ARTICLE IV MEMBERSHIP SECTION 1. Membership. During the time that the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) is in place, all U.S., Canadian and Mexican highbush blueberry growers will be eligible for full membership in the NABC regardless of their level of production. Membership of the Council shall consist of Co-operatives, Corporations, Commissions created by State or Provincial law, Councils, current and prospective blueberry growers or handlers acting on behalf of highbush blueberry growers, and other organizations or individuals involved in blueberry production who apply for membership and pay the annual assessment. If a State or Provincial Commission represents production, the member represented by said Commission may retain their original membership. SECTION II. Associate Members. Associate members may be selected from time to time according to qualifications set from time to time by said Board of Directors, but they shall have no voting rights. SECTION III. Applications. All applications for membership shall be presented to the membership committee. The membership committee shall review the qualifications for membership of each applicant and will refer each application to the Board of Directors together with their review of said qualifications. A majority vote of the Board as determined herein shall be necessary to elect a new member. SECTION IV. Expulsion. Members may be expelled by the Board of Directors for cause, including 60 days delinquency in payment of dues and assessments. For any cause other than non-payment of dues, expulsion shall take place as follows: (1) Said Board shall appoint a grievance committee which shall review said complaints and give said member an opportunity to present a defense; (2) The report of the grievance committee shall be forwarded to the Board together with the recommendations of the committee. An opportunity shall be given to the member to present a defense to the Board, if he so requests; (3) A three-fourths (3/4) vote of the Board as determined herein shall be necessary for expulsion. SECTION V. Resignation. Any member herein may resign by giving notice within 30 days prior to the close of the fiscal year. SECTION VI. Liability for Assessments. All members shall be liable for the current year’s assessments levied up to the date of resignation or expulsion as a member. The annual assessment of members whose production is represented by a State or Provincial Commission shall be determined by the Board of Directors. If the State or Provincial Commission pays the annual assessment, the assessment represented by the State or Provincial Commission shall be a separate assessment to be determined annually by the Board of Directors. SECTION VII. Dues Dues for NABC administration and functions will be levied by the Board of Directors annually. Exhibit #12

SECTION VIII. Method of Determination Each NABC grower member will pay dues based upon their level of production at a rate to be determined by the Board of Directors. In the case of a grower/handler member, dues will be based on the total combined pounds of production they grow and or handle on behalf of highbush blueberry growers. Production levels will be defined as follows:

Level #1: 100,000 pounds or less per year Level #2: 100,001 to 250,000 pounds per year Level #3: 250,001 to 500,000 pounds per year Level #4: 500,001 to 1,000,000 pounds per year Level #5: 1,000,001 pounds or more per year

In addition, cooperatives, commissions, prospective growers and associate members will also be required to pay dues at a rate to be determined by the Board of Directors.

NABC Mbr Update 2

October 2013 Exhibit #12

North American Blueberry Council

The Voice of the Blueberry Industry

With market development and research Associate members are offered the activities now the responsibility of the U.S. opportunity to develop relationships with Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC), the members of the blueberry industry while North American Blueberry Council (NABC) bringing attention to their specific has assumed the important role of acting as a organization. voice for the highbush blueberry industry. NABC Blue Level Associate Members The NABC will also continue to provide Receive: members with market information and • Invitations to NABC Meetings and Event support, services provided to NABC members Discounts since 1965. • Opportunity to Develop Relationships This flyer is designed to answer your with Blueberry Industry Members questions about NABC Associate Member • Opportunity to Exhibit at Selected NABC benefits and opportunities. For more Meetings information, please contact the NABC at • Listing In and Access to NABC Member (916) 983-2279. Directory A non-voting Associate membership in the • Industry Issue Updates NABC is offered to those involved in businesses associated with the blueberry • Use of NABC Artwork, Photos, industry, such as fresh fruit brokers, food Promotional Materials and Logos as Approved manufacturers or allied companies who supply the blueberry industry with materials, • Opportunity to Link to NABC Website equipment or services. The Associate NABC Gold Level Associate membership is offered to both domestic Members receive all the benefits of North American as well as international Blue Level membership plus: entities (outside of Canada, USA and Mexico). These international entities can also include • Monthly Cold Storage Reports co-ops, commissions, councils, associations, • Annual Blueberry Statistical Report handlers and other organizations involved in highbush blueberry growing and marketing • Weekly Harvest Season Crop Reports (these types of entities in North America are • Access to International Blueberry to apply for NABC Grower Membership). Organization (IBO) Data

NABC Associate membership is offered at a Those interested in Associate Membership Blue Level ($700 per year dues) and a Gold are asked to complete the application Level ($2,000 per year dues). below and return it to the NABC office-

Exhibit #12

======CLIP and SEND ======

REQUEST FOR NABC MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION I would be interested in receiving more information about the NABC. Please send an application for NABC membership as an ASSOCIATE MEMBER. My application should be sent to: ______Name of Applicant ______Name of Company ______Address ______City State/Province ______Zip Code Country

______Phone Fax Email

Mail to: NABC 1847 Iron Point Road, Suite 100, Folsom, California 95630 or fax to the NABC at (916) 983-9370. You can also request an application via email at [email protected]

NABC Mbr Update 2

Exhibit #12 The North American Blueberry Council Revised 06/6/2014 Application for ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP-BLUE LEVEL

We, the undersigned, hereby make application for membership in the North American Blueberry Council as an Associate Member at the Blue Level and agree to abide by the rules and conditions as set forth below. CONDITIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP (Growers and Handlers inside the USA, Canada and Mexico are not eligible for Associate Membership) 1) Associate Members are welcome from the following sources: a) Fresh fruit brokers b) Processors who do not grow blueberries c) Food manufacturers who use large quantities of Highbush (cultivated) blueberries d) Allied industry companies who supply chemicals, packing materials, machinery, storage, services, etc. e) International blueberry handling, growing and or marketing entities based outside of Canada, the USA and Mexico. f) Other individuals or organizations deemed qualified by the NABC 2) Dues shall be $700.00 annually payable in advance 3) Associate Members shall be subject to the following restrictions: a) Associate Members cannot hold any office in the North American Blueberry Council b) Associate Members are not entitled to vote on any NABC business c) Associate Members shall not conduct activities that will conflict with regularly scheduled programs of the Council

NABC BLUE LEVEL ASSOCIATE MEMBER APPLICANT PROFILE Please complete each section. Data will be used by the NABC in initial applicant screening

Name of Organization: ______(Please type or print clearly)

Contact Name: ______Title: ______

Mailing Address: ______

City: ______State/Province: _____ Zip: ______Country: ______

Shipping Address (if different than above):______

City: ______State/Province: ______Zip: ______Country: ______

Business Phone: ( ) ______Home Phone: ( ) ______Fax: ( ) ______

E-mail: ______Web Site: ______Type of Business: (check all that apply) Cooperative Corporation Association Partnership Individual Other ______(please indicate) Description of Type of Business:

We are involved in the following blueberry activities: (check all that apply)

Fruit Broker Packaging & Supplies Others (please indicate) Processor (Non-Grower) Storage ______Chemical Supplier Research ______Machinery Supplier Food Manufacturer using Blueberries ______Transportation SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT: ______DATE: ______Exhibit #12 BLUEBERRY INDUSTRY REFERENCES Name: ______Address: ______City:______State/Province ______Zip: ______

Name: ______Address: ______City:______State/Province: ______Zip: ______

NABC ASSOCIATE MEMBER PRIVILEGES- BLUE LEVEL With council approval and while a member in good standing, NABC Associate Members at the Blue Level shall have the following privileges: (a) They shall have the ability to attend meetings, meet key growers and marketers and receive event discounts. (b) Associate members from allied industries shall have the opportunity to exhibit at appropriate NABC meetings new products, inventions, packaging materials, etc., which they feel would be applicable to the blueberry industry subject to approval by a screening committee. Time, place and fees shall be determined by the Executive Committee (c) They shall receive a copy of and a listing in the NABC directory (d) They shall have access to a limited supply of NABC promotional materials (e) They shall receive industry issue updates (f) They shall have the ability to use NABC artwork, photos and logos as approved by NABC (g) If appropriate, they shall have the opportunity to link to the NABC website ------

RETURN APPLICATION TO: The North American Blueberry Council 1847 Iron Point Circle, Suite 100 Folsom, California 95630 Phone: (916) 983-2279 Fax: (916) 983-9370

INITIAL MEMBERSHIP RECOMMENDATION (To be completed by NABC)

As a member of the Executive Committee of the North American Blueberry Council, I hereby Recommend Do not recommend the consideration of the application of

______as an Associate Member of the Council. (Organization Name)

Signed: ______Date: ______

______(Print Name) NABC Mbr Update 3 Exhibit #12 The North American Blueberry Council Revised 06/6/2014 Application for ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP-GOLD LEVEL

We, the undersigned, hereby make application for membership in the North American Blueberry Council as an Associate Member at the Gold Level and agree to abide by the rules and conditions as set forth below. CONDITIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP (Growers and Handlers inside the USA, Canada and Mexico are not eligible for Associate Membership) 1) Associate Members are welcome from the following sources: a) Fresh fruit brokers b) Processors who do not grow or handle blueberries c) Food manufacturers who use large quantities of Highbush (cultivated) blueberries d) Allied industry companies who supply chemicals, packing materials, machinery, storage, services, etc. e) International blueberry handling, growing and or marketing entities based outside of Canada, the USA and Mexico. f) Other individuals or organizations deemed qualified by the NABC 2) Dues shall be $2,000.00 annually payable in advance 3) Associate Members shall be subject to the following restrictions: a) Associate Members cannot hold any office in the North American Blueberry Council b) Associate Members are not entitled to vote on any NABC business c) Associate Members shall not conduct activities that will conflict with regularly scheduled programs of the Council

NABC GOLD LEVEL ASSOCIATE MEMBER APPLICANT PROFILE Please complete each section. Data will be used by the NABC in initial applicant screening

Name of Organization: ______(Please type or print clearly)

Contact Name: ______Title: ______

Mailing Address: ______

City: ______State/Province: _____ Zip: ______Country: ______

Shipping Address (if different than above):______

City: ______State/Province: ______Zip: ______Country: ______

Business Phone: ( ) ______Home Phone: ( ) ______Fax: ( ) ______

E-mail: ______Web Site: ______Type of Business: (check all that apply) Cooperative Corporation Association Partnership Individual Other ______(please indicate) Description of Type of Business:

We are involved in the following blueberry activities: (check all that apply)

Name: ______Address: ______City:______State/Province: ______Zip: ______

NABC ASSOCIATE MEMBER PRIVILEGES- GOLD LEVEL With council approval and while a member in good standing, NABC Associate Members at the Gold Level shall have the following privileges: (a) They will receive monthly cold storage reports; the annual blueberry statistical report; weekly harvest season crop reports; and access to International Blueberry Organization (IBO) data (b) They shall have the ability to attend meetings, meet key growers and marketers and receive event discounts. (c) Associate members from allied industries shall have the opportunity to exhibit at appropriate NABC meetings new products, inventions, packaging materials, etc., which they feel would be applicable to the blueberry industry subject to approval by a screening committee. Time, place and fees shall be determined by the Executive Committee (d) They shall receive a copy of and a listing in the NABC directory (e) They shall have access to a limited supply of NABC promotional materials (f) They shall receive industry issue updates (g) They shall have the ability to use NABC artwork, photos and logos as approved by NABC (h) If appropriate, they shall have the opportunity to link to the NABC website ------

RETURN APPLICATION TO: The North American Blueberry Council 1847 Iron Point Circle, Suite 100 Folsom, California 95630 Phone: (916) 983-2279 Fax: (916) 983-9370

INITIAL MEMBERSHIP RECOMMENDATION (To be completed by NABC)

As a member of the Executive Committee of the North American Blueberry Council, I hereby Recommend Do not recommend the consideration of the application of

______as an Associate Member of the Council. (Organization Name)

Signed: ______Date: ______

______(Print Name) NABC Mbr Update 4 Exhibit #12

NORTH AMERICAN BLUEBERRY COUNCIL 1847 Iron Point Rd., Suite 100 Folsom, California 95630 Phone (916) 983-2279 Fax (916) 983-9370 Web Site: www.nabcblues.org

Associate Membership Information

With market development and research activities now the responsibility of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC), the North American Blueberry Council (NABC) has assumed the important role of acting as a voice for the highbush blueberry industry.

The NABC continues to provide members with market information and support, services provided to NABC members since 1965. For more information please contact the NABC at 916-983-2279.

To encourage increased participation, and to offer services to as many members of the highbush blueberry industry as possible, the NABC has modified membership requirements and assessment rates. Membership opportunities are now also offered to offshore highbush blueberry producers.

A non-voting Associate membership in the NABC is offered to those involved in businesses associated with the blueberry industry, such as fresh fruit brokers, processors who do not grow or market handle blueberries food manufacturers or allied companies who supply the blueberry industry with materials, equipment or services. The Associate membership is offered to both domestic North American as well as international entities (outside of Canada, USA and Mexico). These international entities can also include co-ops, commissions, councils, associations, handlers and other organizations involved in highbush blueberry growing and marketing (these types of entities in North America are to apply for NABC Grower Membership).

NABC Associate membership is offered at a Blue Level ($700 per year dues) and a Gold Level ($2,000 per year dues).

Associate members are offered the opportunity to develop relationships with members of the blueberry industry while bringing attention to their specific organization.

NABC Blue Level Associate Members Receive: • Invitations to NABC Meetings and Event Discounts • Opportunity to Develop Relationships with Blueberry Industry Members • Opportunity to Exhibit at Selected NABC Meetings • Listing In and Access to the NABC Member Directory • Industry Issue Updates • Use of NABC Artwork, Photos, Promotional Materials and Logos as Approved • Opportunity to Link to the NABC Website Exhibit #12

NABC Gold Level Associate Members receive all the benefits of Blue Level membership plus: • Monthly Cold Storage Reports • Annual Blueberry Statistical Report • Weekly Harvest Season Crop Reports • Access to International Blueberry Organization (IBO) Data

Application Process

To apply for membership, please contact the NABC (916-983-2279) to request an application for NABC Associate membership at the Blue or the Gold Level, or download an application from the NABC website (www.nabcblues.org). Please complete the form and return it to the following address:

The North American Blueberry Council 1847 Iron Point Rd., Suite #100 Folsom, California 95630

Upon receipt, your application will be submitted to the NABC Executive Committee for initial review. If approved by the committee, the application will be presented to the full board for consideration at the next NABC meeting. The board will take the final vote on acceptance at that time. Upon initial approval of the Executive Committee, your name will be immediately placed on the NABC mailing list and you will receive mailings on a temporary basis pending final board approval.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact our office. Our phone number is 916-983-2279 and our fax number is 916-983-9370.

NABC Mbr Update 5 Exhibit #12

North American Blueberry Council

The Voice of the Blueberry Industry

With market development and WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR NABC MEMBERSHIP? research activities now the To encourage increased participation, and to offer responsibility of the U.S. services to as many members of the highbush blueberry industry as possible, the NABC has Highbush Blueberry Council modified membership requirements and (USHBC), the North American assessment rates.

Blueberry Council (NABC) has Full NABC grower membership is open to all assumed the important role of highbush blueberry growers from the United acting as a voice for the States, Canada and Mexico regardless of their level of production. highbush blueberry industry. Membership of the NABC shall consist of Co- The NABC will also continue to operatives, Corporations, Commissions created by State or Provincial law, Councils, current and provide members with market prospective blueberry growers, blueberry handlers information and support, acting on behalf of highbush blueberry growers, services provided to NABC and other organizations or individuals involved in blueberry production. members since 1965. With this modification, current industry members This flyer is designed to answer who have previously held NABC membership through an affiliation with an NABC regular your questions about NABC member, such as through a co-op or commission, grower member benefits and can now apply for their own individual membership opportunities. For more in the NABC. information please contact the The new dues structure also offers the opportunity NABC at (916) 983-2279 or for full NABC membership to those growers who check our website at produce less than the 250,000 pound per year level established under original NABC membership www.nabcblues.org requirements.

Exhibit #12

The revised NABC grower membership dues are perhaps you know of a fellow grower or industry currently based on the grower’s yearly production member not currently involved in the NABC who may level, or in the case of a handler the combined total be interested in membership. amount of production grown or handled. Dues are For additional information about the NABC or to currently set at the following levels: receive membership applications for grower

Yearly Production NABC Yearly Dues membership, please contact the NABC office at (916) 100,000 pounds or less $ 100 983-2279 or email [email protected] or on 100,001 lbs. to 250,000 lbs. $ 250 our website at www.nabcblues.org. Membership 250,001 lbs. to 500,000 lbs. $ 500 information can also be sent directly to you by 500,001 lbs. to 1,000,000 lbs. $1,000 completing and mailing, or faxing, the following 1,000,001 pounds or more $2,000 membership information request to the NABC: Co-Op or Commission Members $2,000 ======CLIP and SEND ======WHAT DO I GAIN FROM NABC MEMBERSHIP? REQUEST FOR NABC MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Grower member benefits include market information I would be interested in receiving more information and support as well as the opportunity to become about the NABC. Please send an application for involved in the industry and share your interests and NABC membership as a GROWER MEMBER. concerns with fellow industry members. My application should be sent to: NABC Grower Members receive: MARKET INFORMATION ______• Monthly Cold Storage Reports Name of Applicant • Annual Blueberry Statistical Report • Weekly Crop Reports (April to September) ______• Access to International Blueberry Organization Name of Company (IBO) Data MARKET SUPPORT ______• Free Listing in NABC Suppliers Guide Address • Access to NABC Promotional Materials • Opportunity to Link to NABC Website ______INDUSTRY INVOLVEMENT and INFORMATION City State/Province • NABC Member Directory Listing • Industry Issue Awareness and Legislative Interface ______• Participation in NABC Meetings Zip Code Country • Opportunity to Serve on NABC Committees • NABC Meeting and Event Discounts ______HOW DO I APPLY FOR NABC MEMBERSHIP? Phone Fax Email Given these many benefits, we hope that you will Mail to: NABC 1847 Iron Point Road, Suite 100 Folsom, California consider membership in the NABC at the grower 95630 or fax to the NABC at (916) 983-9370. You can also request an application via email at [email protected] or on our member level. If you are already a grower member, website at www.nabcblues.org Exhibit #12 The North American Blueberry Council Revised 06/6/2014 Application for GROWER MEMBERSHIP

We, the undersigned, hereby make application for membership in the North American Blueberry Council as a Grower Member and agree to abide by the rules and conditions as set forth below. CONDITIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP 1. Membership eligibility: Any individual, cooperative, corporation, commission, council, association or partnership, producing or handling highbush (cultivated) blueberries on behalf of highbush blueberry growers in North America (USA, Canada and Mexico). 2. Members shall pay an annual assessment on all berries produced or handled. Such assessment shall be determined by vote of the membership at each annual meeting. Assessment rates are based on production levels of: 100,000 pounds or less per year; 100,001 to 250,000 pounds; 250,001 to 500,000 pounds; 500,001 to 1,000,000 pounds; and 1,000,001 or more. 3. Assessments are payable on or before December 1st of the current crop year. 4. All members shall be subject to the rules and regulations as contained in the by-laws. 5. A check for $50.00 (U.S. funds only) must accompany application with full dues payable on/before December 1st of the year of membership.

NABC GROWER MEMBER APPLICANT PROFILE Please complete each section. Data will be used by the NABC in initial applicant screening.

Name of Organization: ______Please type or print clearly

Contact Name: ______Title: ______

Mailing Address: ______

City: ______State/Province: _____ Zip: ______Country: ______

Shipping Address (if different than above): ______City: ______State/Province: _____ Zip: ______

Business Phone: ( ) ______Home Phone: ( ) ______Fax: ( ) ______

E-mail: ______Web Site: ______Type of Business: (check all that apply) Cooperative Corporation Association Commission Partnership Individual Other ______(please indicate) Type of Cultivated Blueberry Products Marketed: (check all that apply) Fresh Frozen Dried Other ______(Please indicate) Our organization does does not produce all the highbush (cultivated) blueberries we market. Our own production represents the following percentage of all the blueberries we market. 0% less than 25% less than 50% less than 75% 75% or more We are involved in the following blueberry activities: (check all that apply) Growing International Sales Others (Please indicate) Processing Buying/Distribution/Brokerage ______Packing Marketing/Promotion ______Shipping Research ______

SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT: ______DATE: ______Exhibit #12

BLUEBERRY INDUSTRY REFERENCES Name: ______Address: ______City:______State/Province ______Zip: ______

Name: ______Address: ______City:______State/Province: ______Zip: ______

P.A.C.A. License Number (if any) ______Year Started: ______

NABC GROWER MEMBER PRIVILEGES 1. Members shall have the right to appoint a delegate and an alternate to attend the Council’s meetings. This delegate or alternate shall have the right to vote on all motions made at the business sessions. 2. Each member has the right to ask for a vote on any motion made. 3. If said member is unable to attend a meeting, that member shall have the right to assign his vote to the proxy of his choice. 4. In addition to being able to attend and take part in NABC meetings, NABC Grower Members will have the opportunity to serve on NABC committees and will receive: ♦ Copies of all meeting minutes and yearly audit report ♦ Industry information ♦ Weekly crop report in season and annual statistical report ♦ Copies of NABC promotional materials ♦ Monthly cold storage report ♦ Copy of and listing in NABC directory ♦ Access to International Blueberry Organization (IBO) data

RETURN APPLICATION TO: The North American Blueberry Council 1847 Iron Point Circle, Suite 114 Folsom, California 95630 Phone: (916) 983-2279 Fax: (916) 983-9370

------INITIAL MEMBERSHIP RECOMMENDATION (To be completed by NABC) As a member of the Executive Committee of the North American Blueberry Council, I hereby

Recommend Do not recommend the consideration of the application of

______as a Grower Member of the Council. (Organization Name) Date: ______Signed: ______

______(Print Name)

Exhibit #12

NORTH AMERICAN BLUEBERRY COUNCIL 1847 Iron Point Road, Suite 100 Folsom, California 95630 Phone (916) 983-2279 Fax (916) 983-9370 Web Site: www.nabcblues.org

NABC GROWER MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

The NABC continues to provide members with market information and support, services provided to NABC members since 1965. For more information, please contact the NABC at 916-983-2279.

To encourage increased participation, and to offer services to as many members of the highbush blueberry industry as possible, the NABC has modified membership requirements and assessment rates.

Full NABC grower membership is open to all highbush blueberry growers from the United States, Canada and Mexico, regardless of their level of production. With this modification, current industry members who have previously held NABC membership through an affiliation with an NABC regular member, such as a co-op or commission, can now apply for their own individual membership in the NABC.

Membership of the NABC shall consist of Co-operatives, Corporations, Commissions created by State or Provincial law, Councils, current and prospective blueberry growers, blueberry handlers acting on behalf of highbush blueberry growers, and other organizations or individuals involved in blueberry production.

The dues structure offers the opportunity for full NABC membership to those growers who produce less than the 250,000-pound per year level established under original NABC membership requirements.

The revised NABC grower membership dues are currently based on yearly production at the following levels:

Yearly Production NABC Yearly Dues

100,000 pounds or less $ 100 100,001 lbs. to 250,000 lbs. $ 250 250,001 lbs. to 500,000 lbs. $ 500 500,001 lbs. to 1,000,000 lbs. $1,000 1,000,001 pounds or more $2,000 Co-Op or Commission Members $2,000

Grower member benefits include market information and support as well as the opportunity to become involved in the industry and share your interests and concerns with fellow industry members.

Exhibit #12

NABC Grower Members receive:

MARKET INFORMATION

• Monthly Cold Storage Reports • Annual Blueberry Statistical Report • Weekly Crop Reports (June to September) • Access to International Blueberry Organization (IBO) Data • Free Listing in NABC Suppliers Guide • Access to NABC Promotional Materials • Opportunity to Link to NABC Website

INDUSTRY INVOLVEMENT and INFORMATION

• NABC Member Directory Listing • Industry Issue Awareness and Legislative Interface • Participation in NABC Meetings • Opportunity to Serve on NABC Committees • NABC Meeting and Event Discounts

Application Process

To apply for membership, please complete the attached form and return it to the following address: The North American Blueberry Council 1847 Iron Point Road, Suite #100 Folsom, California 95630

We hope you will consider joining our organization. Your investment in the NABC now and in the future will help us to continue funding activities designed to create increased awareness of highbush blueberries and help to maintain a positive sales environment to the benefit of our blueberry growers and those who supply them. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact our office. Our phone number is 916-983-2279 and our fax number is 916-983-9370. Additional information can also be found on the NABC website at www.nabcblues.org.

NABC Mbr Update 8