News Release Archive
AGRICULTURE/MARKETING--OFFICIAL BERRY ------------------------------------------------------------ Legislation declaring the wild blueberry as the official berry of Nova Scotia was introduced today by Agriculture & Marketing Minister Wayne Gaudet. "There is great history behind the wild blueberry crop in this province," said Mr. Gaudet. "This legislation recognizes the history, the progress in research, and the importance of the wild blueberry industry in this province." In 50 years the industry has grown from the hand picking of berries that grew in the wild to today's 28,000 acres of commercial production. Growers estimate the 1995 crop to be over 30 million pounds. Much of the success can be attributed to the cooperation between growers, government and the processors, the minister said. New research was conducted and evaluated on cultivation and crop management practices. Blueberries are available fresh during the peak of the season in August and mid-September, and year round as a high quality frozen product. The province exports about 25 per cent of the crop, resulting in the Nova Scotia blueberry being known worldwide. -30- Contact: Susan Horne 902-424-5719 trp Nov. 24, 1995