News release

Request for Proposals Issued for Wild Blueberry Development

Natural Resources (to July 2018)
Agriculture

Government has issued a request for proposals to grow, manage and harvest wild blueberries on Crown land.

"Government is committed to striking the right balance between the economic, social and environmental values of Nova Scotia's natural resources," said Andrew Younger, acting Minister of Natural Resources. "We are looking to unlock the value of our land by exploring various options."

Six Crown land sites in Cumberland County have been identified as potential areas for wild blueberry fields.

Successful applicants will enter an agreement with the Department of Natural Resources with an annual lease rate of six per cent of the value of the land. The lease agreement will be for 20 years with an option to renew for another 20 years.

Wild blueberries is the number one fruit crop in acreage, export sales and value in Nova Scotia. The industry was valued at about $30 million in 2014.

"Our blueberries are one of the export success stories we need to build on," said Agriculture Minister Keith Colwell. "The continued investment into its development will create both immediate and long-term economic benefits for a more sustainable and healthy rural Nova Scotia economy."

The Request for Proposals closes Nov. 6.

For more information and the request for proposals, visit www.novascotia.ca/tenders/tenders/tender-details.aspx?id=60148906.