The federal government will spend more than $1.5 million to help develop export markets for Canada’s wild blueberry industry.
The grant is part of a larger, $23 million market development program called the Agriculture Canada Canadian Agriculture and Food International Program.
That program is designed to help export-oriented sectors across the country and offers federal assistance on a 50-50 cost-share basis, with industry sources matching government funding.
On Aug. 10, Nova Scotia Conservative MP Bill Casey announced that the wild blueberry industry – Nova Scotia’s largest fruit export – would be receiving help through the program.
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Canadian wild blueberries are sold into 25 countries. The industry is concentrated in Quebec and Atlantic Canada.
“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 Casey.
“We believe the development of export markets is important for increasing demand for wild blueberries and providing new economic opportunities for farm families.”
Industry funding for the wild blueberry initiative was funneled through the Canadian section of the Wild Blueberry Association of North America, an organization that represents producers and processors.
An Agriculture Canada official said Aug. 14 that other sectors, including Pulse Canada, have received matching funds under the program. Pulse Canada received more than half a million dollars earlier this year.
A complete list of grants provided under the program this fiscal year was not available at press time.
“But it is a program based on demand so the department responds when there is an industry proposal for support,” said department communications official Julie Plamondon.
“This is not a regional program.”
