The Prince Edward Wild Blueberry Company in Canavoy, near Morell, had its official opening today. This new state-of-the-art blueberry processing facility, which also includes freezing and cold storage areas, is the first of its kind in Prince Edward Island.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry minister Walter Bradley and company president Elwood Lawton cut the ribbon to open the new plant. Also in attendance were Premier Catherine Callbeck, Secretary of State Lawrence MacAulay (Veterans and ACOA), and Economic Development and Tourism minister Robert Morrissey, along with local MLAs and other officials.
The provincial government contributed $1.75 million to the $2.75 million facility under the Eastern Kings Development Strategy.
"Blueberry producers have been quietly growing an industry in Prince Edward Island for many years. With the opening of the Prince Edward Wild Blueberry Company, we now have the ability to add value to blueberries, increase production and create more jobs in rural areas of the province," said Premier Callbeck.
"The establishment of this facility is a most welcome development because previously, all our product had to be shipped off-Island for processing," said Mr. Bradley. "Adding value to a local product will be a major factor in the development of the blueberry industry in this province, leading to new employment and increased production across the Island."
The plant began operation with this year's crop. It is currently processing 15,000 pounds of blueberries an hour, and is operating on two twelve-hour shifts, with 133 employees involved in harvesting, processing and plant operations. Mr. Lawton expects to process 4.5 million pounds this year.
In addition to local blueberries, Mr. Lawton is also importing from Maine, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. The new facility has already attracted buyers from all over the world looking for the unique wild blueberry which is only produced in this part of eastern North America.
Mr. Lawton said he is interested in looking at other uses for the plant to extend the processing operation and season.
The Blueberry Development Strategy announced last year by Enterprise PEI and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry provides financial, technical and management support to new growers with the objective of tripling production and providing an increased supply to the new plant.