BC Blueberry Growers and Processors Remain Essential in BC’s Food Supply Chain

The BCBC is working hard to ensure Canadians have access to local and healthy produce.

[Abbotsford, BC] – More than ever, Canadians need healthy and secure food source, and the BC blueberry industry is part of the solution. The industry is local, healthy and available. In 2019, the BC blueberry industry produced more than 190 million pounds and at least 30 percent of production served Canadians.

On March 26 the Province of British Columbia released an essential services list and rightfully agriculture is on it.

BC Blueberry Council executive director Anju Gill notes, “as we maneuver through these unprecedented times, there are many unknowns about what’s to come. We do know that British Columbians, Canadians need access to healthy, and locally grown food. We will do our part by bringing fresh and frozen blueberries to the market”.

“With the pandemic, our industry is preparing for the harvest season,” Gill continues. “Taking extra precautions to ensure consumer and worker safety.”

“The 2020 season is ours to serve,” Gill continues. “Let’s do our part in ensuring Canadians have access to local and healthy produce.”

BC Blueberry Council contacts:

Anju Gill 604 864 2117

Jack Bates 604 968 5907

About the BC Blueberry Council

With more than 80 years of blueberry-growing experience, the BC Blueberry Council represents over 600 highbush growers. Combined these growers have more than 11,000 hectares (27,000 acres) of highbush blueberries planted in order to meet growing demand.  The BC Blueberry Council has a strong commitment to on-farm food safety and works diligently with blueberry growers and collaborates with packers and processors to ensure that BC blueberries meet the highest standards for food safety and quality. For more information: bcblueberry.com.

COVID-19 Notice

Please rest assured that the BC Blueberry Council is monitoring the evolving situation of the COVID-19, and that the council will keep our membership updated on any new developments or announcements that pertain to our industry.

At this time, the Blueberry Council is advising all members in the produce and/or packing sectors to keep themselves and their employees safe by ensuring that all employees and workers practice social distancing, and maintain and increase the frequency of all proper sanitation practises, as well as increased hand washing at all times.

Most importantly, we encourage people to stay home if they are feeling unwell and to seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms of the virus.