Blueberries
Canada has won a critical ruling at the US International Trade Commission, which concluded the import of Canadian blueberries does not pose a threat to US blueberry producers.
The BC Blueberry Council says it’s pleased with the ruling, with BC Blueberry Council Board chair Jack Bates saying, “Now our members can focus on the growing year ahead, instead of being concerned with trade penalties.”
John Tentomas, President and CEO of Nature’s Touch, one of BC’s largest exporters, said the US is an important market for the BC blueberry industry, with approximately 100 million pounds exported annually.
“Blueberries, both cultivated and wild, are very important industries that are fulfilling health and wellness needs of consumers in both the USA and Canada,” Tentomas says. “We face the same opportunities and challenges and have managed them together, as true industry and government peers. We are thankful that this decision continues to reflect on this partnership.”
Westberry Farms president Parm Bains agreed, saying, “Getting a confirmation from the authorities proves the position we have always stood by. We look forward to continuing to strengthen business ties and work closely with the United States High Bush Blueberry Council (USHBC) and blueberry buyers and brokers in promoting blueberries in North America.”
The United States Trade Representative requested last year a Section 201 ‘global safeguard investigation’ to see if exports caused “serious injury or threat thereof” to US blueberry growers. The commission ruled unanimously that Canadian exports caused no injury to the US industry.
“This is great news!” said Jason Smith, BC Blueberry Council Finance Committee chair and co-founder/crop advisor at Pier Consulting. “The BC industry has been working with the US industry for many years. This ruling shows the importance and recognition of our long history of working together for the betterment of both of our industries.”
The US industry, however, was disappointed with the ruling.
“We disagree with the outcome of the Commissioner’s investigation,” said the American Blueberry Growers Alliance (ABGA).
“Throughout this case, blueberry growers across the United States provided the ITC with extensive data and personal experiences about the significant harm caused by surging imports on the supply and pricing of blueberries in the US market, especially during our critical growing and harvest seasons.”