Government of Canada Investing to Help Market Canadian Blueberries

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Dec. 15, 2009) - The Government of Canada today announced a contribution of $49,000 to the British Columbia Blueberry Council to help growers market their products in key international markets.

"Canadian blueberries are renowned around the world thanks to the expertise and the know-how of our growers," said Member of Parliament Ed Fast (Abbotsford). "Our Government understands the importance of international market development activities to help the sector to succeed and grow."

This investment will support the Council's long term business strategy, including market research and sending producers, processors and exporters to targeted international markets and trade shows to promote Canadian blueberries to key buyers.

"These AgriMarketing funds will help launch key new international marketing activities for the industry and help us sell more blueberries around the world," said Will Van Baalen, Executive Director of the B.C. Blueberry Council.

The B.C. Blueberry Council, which represents over 650 highbush blueberry producers and is responsible for 95% of highbush blueberry production in Canada, aims to enhance the viability and strategic development of the industry for the benefit of blueberry growers. The Council's main activities center on market research, industry education and market expansion activities.

In 2008, exports of fresh cultivated blueberries from Canada amounted to 9,840 metric tons and were valued at $48 million. Canada also exported 21,621 metric tons of frozen cultivated blueberries worth around $81.5 million, bringing the total value of close to $130 million.

This project is being funded by the AgriMarketing program; a program to help producers and processors increase exports of Canada's safe, high-quality products around the world. The program provides funding to implement long-term international strategies such as international market development, brand building and industry-to-industry trade advocacy.