Blueberry production in Prince Edward Island this past season hit an all-time high of close to 5.5 million pounds, an increase of 17 percent over 1999, with a farm gate value of over $3.0 million. The figures were released today by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry.
"This is the first time that blueberry production has exceeded five million pounds and is a tribute to the efforts of new and expanding growers who are producing a high quality crop," said Agriculture and Forestry Minister Mitch Murphy. "Under the Blueberry Development Strategy being offered by the provincial government, we anticipate that in the coming years production will continue to increase."
Mr. Murphy said that close to 2200 acres were harvested this year, and that will rise to more than 2800 acres in 2001. Total land in blueberry production or under development is 12,500 acres. Mr. Murphy said that production has tripled since 1990 from 1.9 million pounds when there were less than 1200 acres in production or under development. All but a small portion of this year's crop was processed.
The average yield this year was 2480 pounds per acre, a six percent increase over last year. Frost in June reduced yields significantly in Prince County and to a lesser extent in other areas of the province.
Mr. Murphy said the expansion in blueberry production is also good news for Island beekeepers. The number of honey bee hives used to pollinate the crop increased to 1800 this year, up from just over 1000 in 1999. Demand for pollination services from beekeepers will also result in increased honey production in the province.
"The blueberry industry is an excellent example of how efforts to diversify the agriculture economy are beginning to pay off, resulting in new opportunities and jobs in rural communities throughout Prince Edward Island," said Mr. Murphy.