A week-long trade mission in Beijing and Hong Kong has resulted in major market expansion for cherry and blueberry exporters from British Columbia.

Canadian agriculture minister Gerry Ritz  announced Friday that fresh cherries from the province will now be welcome in China. An agreement for 2014 is also underway for fresh blueberries from British Columbia, which were also granted greater acccess.

Andre Bailey, a director of the BC Cherry Association, reported from Beijing that the Canadian industry was pleased to recieve the news.

"We’re finalizing the deal and we’re super excited to be granted access. I think it’s a crucial market for our industry going forward," he told www.freshfruitportal.com, following the conclusion of the trade mission.

"I think a lot of thanks has to be given to our food inspection agency for their hard work in negotiations and to Minister Ritz for helping finalize the deal. It’s going to be a great thing for our industry.

"Canada is very happy with the deal going - it’s a trial year but it’s a very, very positive step. We’re very happy with the progress that’s been made and to be granted access for our fruit this season."

The BC Cherry Association - represented by Bailey and Christine Dendy - participated in the mission, alongside the Canadian Ministry of Agriculture to finalize the details of the cherry deal. The association estimates that Canadian sales of fresh cherries to China will reach CAD$10 million (US$9.8 million) by 2014 and CAD$20 million (US$19.7 million) over the next five years.

The goal to double overall bilateral trade between China and Canada by 2015 was reiterated during the meetings. Canadian sales of agriculture products in China were at CAD$5 billion (US$4.9 billion) in 2012, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.

Bailey said Canadian cherry exporters were already eager and prepared to begin sales in the Asian nation.

"The Chinese market and the desire of Chinese importers for Canadian cherries for those special pre-festival periods have been very strong and we’re very excited to take advantage of those opportunities," he said.

"We've been working closely as an industry with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to meet the protocols set in place by the Chinese AQSIQ."

Beyond cherries and blueberries, the trade mission also took steps to increase Canadian exports of beef and tallow. The two nations signed further agreements to establish an animal health working group, and to create a stable market for Canadian wheat, barley and soybeans.

To improve market stability and food security, the Canadian Ministry of Agriculture said China had approved various new genetically engineered crop applications, which were described as "essential to continue to foster innovation in both Canada and China."

Photo: Canadian minister Gerry Ritz and Chinese minister Han Changfu. Canadian Ministry of Agriculture

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