An incoming trade delegation from Japan to learn more about the Prince Edward Island blueberry industry could lead to expanded markets, says Agriculture Minister George Webster. The delegation will be in the province on Saturday and Sunday.
“Wild blueberries from this region are a unique and distinct product, offering high quality, value and many health and nutritional benefits,” said Mr. Webster. “Opening up new markets for this world class product is one of the key objectives of the Department of Agriculture.”
The 14 delegates on the mission are members of the Japanese Jam Association. They are senior company officials, and their companies represent 75 percent of all fruit that is imported to Japan. While in the province, they will tour the PEI Preserve Company in New Glasgow, blueberry fields, and the Jasper Wyman and Son processing plant in Canavoy. Mr. Webster will meet with the delegation at the Wyman plant on Sunday at 1:30 p.m.
The tour is being hosted in partnership with the Wild Blueberry Growers Association of North America.
Prince Edward Island blueberry production has expanded rapidly over the past decade. At present, there are some 13,000 acres in production or under development, about half of which is harvested each year. Total production in 2009 was in excess of 10 million pounds.
Mr. Webster said this year’s crop shows great potential.
“I look forward to the opportunity of strengthening trade ties in the Japanese market,” said Mr. Webster. “This incoming trade delegation will enable them to get a first-hand look at the energy and expertise which characterizes the blueberry industry in this province.”