News release
CANADA’S NEW GOVERNMENT INVESTS MORE THAN $1.5 MILLION IN WILD BLUEBERRIES INDUSTRY
OXFORD, Nova Scotia, August 10, 2006 – Bill Casey, Member of Parliament for Cumberland–Colchester–Musquodoboit Valley, on behalf of the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, today announced $1,534,000 to develop international markets for wild blueberries. Funding is being provided to the Canadian component of the Wild Blueberry Association of North America (WBANA).
“Canada is the world’s largest producer and exporter of wild blueberries, and this government is committed to helping growers and processors of this industry,” said Mr. Casey. “We believe the development of export markets is important for increasing demand for wild blueberries and providing new economic opportunities for farm families.”
“Canada’s wild blueberries are enjoyed in many countries around the globe,” noted Neri Vautour, Executive Director of WBANA (Canada). “Our members presently export to more than 25 countries and the promotional activities that the industry has been able to undertake in partnership with the federal government have resulted in very positive growth for the wild blueberry industry.”
WBANA was established in 1981 to promote and increase the use and consumption of wild blueberries in Canada and around the world. The Canadian component of the association represents growers and processors of wild blueberries in Atlantic Canada and Quebec.
More than 45.9 million kilograms of Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) wild blueberries, valued at $154.6 million, were exported from Canada in 2005. Frozen wild blueberries have become the number one fruit crop in terms of export sales from the province of Nova Scotia. In 2005, Nova Scotia processors exported more than 25.2 million kilograms of IQF wild blueberries, valued at $80.5 million.
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For more information, media may contact:
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, ON
613-759-7972
1-866-345-7972
Jeff Howard
Press Secretary
Minister Strahl's office
613-759-1059
Neri Vautour
Executive Director
WBANA (Canada)
506-363-3606
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