Ewa Niwczyk | Dreamstime.com
Cherries 2013
BC’s booming cherry industry just got another boost, as the Government of Canada announced it has secured market access for BC-grown cherries in Japan.
In 2017 Japan imported more than $62.7 million of fresh cherries from around the world, making it a major new destination for BC fruit.
The move is part of a broader initiative on trade for Canada in Asia, and follows the March 2018 trade mission to Japan by Minister of Agriculture Lawrence MacAulay. The federal department says that, once the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (CPTPP) comes into force, Canadian agriculture products will benefit from preferential access to key Asian markets, including Japan.
Through the CPTPP, Japan’s 8.5 per cent tariff on fresh cherries will be eliminated over a period of five years.
“Our Government is committed to seeking market access opportunities across the globe to strengthen our bilateral trade relationships, put more money in the pockets of Canadian farmers, and grow the middle class in Canada," MacAulay said.
Stephen Fuhr, the MP for Kelowna-Lake Country, says the agreement is a long-term benefit for BC growers.
"Our Government has worked closely with B.C.'s cherry growers to achieve this significant milestone,” Fuhr said. “Selling fresh, high-quality cherries to Japan will help drive economic growth, while creating more job opportunities in British Columbia."
The news was well received among cherry farmers in the Okanagan, with BC Cherry Association President Sukhpaul Bal commenting, “Our growers and industry partners look forward to building long-lasting relationships with Japanese customers and cannot wait to see cherries branded with the maple leaf in stores across Japan."
Japan is already Canada’s third largest market for agri-food and seafood products, with exports of $4.5 billion in 2017. The Canadian government estimates fresh cherry exports to Japan could add up to $8 million annually to that total.