NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release 2009AL0009-000193 August 6, 2009

Ministry of Agriculture and Lands

 

B.C. CELEBRATES BLUEBERRY MONTH

 

VICTORIA – August is Blueberry Month in British Columbia and the perfect time to celebrate the great taste and versatility of B.C.’s number-one fruit crop, Agriculture and Lands Minister Steve Thomson announced today.

 

“In British Columbia we are very proud to be Canada’s number-one producer of high-bush blueberries and the world’s second-largest producer,” said Thomson. “When you buy fresh B.C. blueberries you are supporting local agriculture, which is one of the best ways to ensure a secure local food supply.”

 

Over 650 blueberry growers cultivate close to 17,000 acres of rich, fertile farmland in B.C. The Fraser Valley accounts for 99 per cent of the province’s blueberry farms and the thriving $90-million-a-year blueberry industry employs more than 5,000 British Columbians. This year growers expect to harvest as much as 85 million pounds of blueberries.

 

“August is not only a great time to enjoy fresh blueberries in season, it’s the best time to stock up on delicious, high quality blueberries for preserving. As many people already know, blueberries are one of the healthiest and highest antioxidant foods on this planet,” said Mike Makara, chair of the B.C. Blueberry Council. “Family outings to a U-Pick farm or blueberry farm stand help kids learn about where their favourite foods come from.”

 

The rapid growth of the blueberry industry in recent years has been spurred on by the tremendous popularity of blueberries. Part of the industry’s success is due to their proactive approach. Instead of relying solely on the great taste and versatility of blueberries, they invested in scientific research to determine the nutritional value of blueberries. The industry then publicized the results, offering health-conscious consumers evidence that blueberries are rich in antioxidants, believed to play a key role in preventing diseases and reducing the effects of aging.

 

For more information on B.C. blueberries and great recipe ideas visit:

http://www.bcblueberry.com/

 

 

 

Photos of Minister Thomson’s meeting and farm tour with the B.C. Blueberry Council are available from the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands photo gallery at: http://www.gov.bc.ca/al/mediaroom/photos/.

 

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Contact:

Liz Bicknell Communications Director 250 356- 2862 250 213-3072 (cell)

 

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