FREDERICTON (GNB) – New Brunswick food businesses and industry associations will be in Vancouver next week to develop business opportunities at the Canadian Produce Marketing Association Convention and Trade Show.

The annual gathering is Canada’s largest event dedicated to the fruit and vegetable industry. It attracts more than 3,000 participants from all segments of the produce supply chain and showcases produce from around the world.

“This is Canada’s biggest produce trade show, and New Brunswick is big on food,” said Agriculture, Mines and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Harvey. “New Brunswick produces some of the best food in Canada and we are pleased to see the province represented at the Canadian Produce Marketing Association Convention and Trade Show.”

Representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries will be on-site promoting New Brunswick potatoes, apples, blueberries and maple syrup.

New Brunswick participants include:

  • New Brunswick Maple Syrup Association
  • Skedaddle Maple
  • Potatoes New Brunswick
  • McCain Produce Inc.
  • Wild Blueberry Meadows Farm
  • Belliveau Orchards

The government’s participation in the event, which runs April 24-26, is part of a sustained effort to increase trade.

“Participation in trade missions like this one help support development of initiatives under the Economic Growth Plan,” said Harvey. “We are always working to help our growers and producers identify opportunities to expand the market for New Brunswick products at home, across Canada and to overseas markets.”

Total New Brunswick farm cash receipts grew six per cent in 2016 to reach $606 million, with crop receipts accounting for 52 per cent of that amount.

The New Brunswick Economic Growth Plan has identified several key opportunities in the agriculture sector, including development of the maple syrup and wild blueberry sectors, as well as encouraging the participation of new entrants in the agriculture industry and promoting the local food and beverage sector. The plan outlines how the government aims to ensure there is a co-ordinated effort to improve and grow the economy and create jobs.

 

20-04-18