Expanding the Vision for Blueberry Extension
MSU Affiliation
Extension Service (MSUES); Coastal Research and Extension Center
Creation Date
2026-06-30
Abstract
Cooperative Extension programs are in a state of flux as new methods of information delivery are adopted by agents, specialists, and clientele. Online methods are crucial tools as the number of Extension specialists with specialization in blueberries shrink. Therefore, increased communications to develop collaborations among Extension personnel should be a priority. The All About Blueberries (AAB) Community of Practice (CoP) launched in 2010 and was motivated by six goals: (1) to improve insect and disease identification; (2) to improve blueberry production efficiency and productivity; (3) to educate about blueberry cultivation; (4) to improve grower profit margins; (5) to hasten adoption of new innovations and technologies; and (6) to improve the safe handling of fresh produce by emphasizing the importance of food safety in the consumer section and harvesting in the grower section. The AAB portal and its 36 contributing authors represent an ideal venue to showcase nationwide blueberry consumer and producer research and educational efforts. The AAB CoP can provide a platform for enhanced and strategic coordination among blueberry Extension specialists nationwide. Better coordination can lead to positive outcomes that result in more recognition of Extension as a critical aspect of the research-to-end user continuum. Pursuing online methods meets clientele needs and strengthens Extension’s reach to all stakeholders and audiences, nationally and internationally. Support and expansion of the blueberry eXtension portal has great potential to be a leader in developing efficient and effective Extension methods to reach existing clientele and new audiences.
Publication Date
6-25-2014
Publication Title
Proceedings of the North American Blueberry Research and Extension Workers Meeting, 2014
Publisher
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
First Page
1
Last Page
11
Recommended Citation
Stafne, E. T., Morgan, K., & Pavlis, G. (2014). Expanding the Vision for Blueberry Extension. Proceedings of the North American Blueberry Research and Extension Workers Conference, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.7282/T30866Z5
