The Prince Edward Island Blueberry Growers Association has established a commodity group under the Natural Products Marketing Act. The change means the new commodity group can charge a levy on growers to fund research and promotional activities.
In making the announcement, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Mitch Murphy said the change was made at the request of the Association.
"The blueberry industry has been experiencing rapid growth and development over the past several years," said Mr. Murphy. "As a commodity group, growers can now undertake a number of new initiatives to promote their product in the marketplace and undertake practical research projects to help improve production and quality."
John MacDonald, President of the Association, said a levy of 0.3 cents a pound has been established on all blueberries grown in the province. The levy will be collected through a check-off system administered by the processors purchasing the crop.
"The Association is required to use all funds raised by the levy to facilitate the exchange of information among growers, promote better means of production and marketing and encourage and promote the use of blueberry products," said Mr. MacDonald.
He said any grower presenting a written refund notice form by registered mail to the Association within 60 days of the date of levy is entitled to a refund for the 2001 crop year. In subsequent years, growers who present a notice by registered mail before December 15 will be excluded from the check-off program.
This year, approximately 2800 acres will be harvested by more than 170 growers. There are 12,500 acres currently under production or being developed. Last year, there was an record blueberry harvest of 5.4 million pounds.
"I am very optimistic about the expansion of the blueberry industry, and the establishment of a commodity board will help it develop in a sustainable and orderly manner," said Mr. Murphy.