Features Business Policy
Feds secure Chinese access for fresh B.C. blueberries

June 26, 2015, Abbotsford, BC – The federal government recently announced that Canada and China have agreed to sustained market access for fresh British Columbia blueberries.

Chinese inspectors are expected to visit Canada this summer to carry out a pre-shipment inspection and to authorize the first shipments of blueberries to China. Once fully implemented, the Canadian blueberry industry estimates new access to this important market to be worth $65 million annually.

“We were extremely pleased to be in China on the momentous occasion of the protocol signing between Canada and China on fresh blueberry exports,” said Debbie Etsell, executive director of the B.C. Blueberry Council. “This comes at a time when the demand for fresh Canadian blueberries in China is very high due to the health benefits and quality of our product. We look forward to providing the Chinese consumer with a beneficial Canadian agri-food.”  

“This is great news for B.C.’s world-class blueberries,” said Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade. “Our government’s top priority is to create jobs, growth and long-term prosperity for all Canadians, including British Columbians. This market access win to the most populous country in the world is another example of how our government’s pro-trade plan is getting results for Canadian businesses, workers and their families.”

The announcement was hosted at Westberry Farms in Abbotsford.