Wild Blueberry Celebrates 15 Years As Province's Choice
Nova Scotia's wild blueberry, worth $40 million in export sales to 30 countries, is celebrating its 15th anniversary as the province's official berry.
An event today, Feb. 1, at the Seaport Farmer's Market spotlighted its value to the province and its many healthy attributes.
"Wild blueberries are the number one fruit crop in size and export sales in Nova Scotia," said Agriculture Minister John MacDonell. "We're very proud to support a homegrown product that contributes greatly to our economy and provides jobs for more than 3,000 Nova Scotians who are either directly or indirectly employed by the industry."
Proclaimed the provincial berry on Jan. 11, 1996, the wild blueberry is often touted for its medicinal benefits.
"Early research suggested the antioxidant power of blueberries was responsible for health benefits," said Wilhelmina Kalt, research scientist, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, who is investigating the berry's health attributes. "More recently, research indicates blueberries may be important in reducing inflammation that comes with disease and aging."
Health research is examining the blueberry's benefits in areas such as cardiovascular health, neuroscience, cancer, inflammation, aging and, more recently, diabetes and sight.
"Nova Scotia wild blueberries go to more than 30 countries around the world," said John Quinn, president, Wild Blueberry Producers Association of Nova Scotia. "We are exploring new markets and new opportunities for the wild blueberry. This is an industry that has growth potential far beyond our borders."
Hosted by the Wild Blueberry Producers Association of Nova Scotia and supported by Select Nova Scotia, the event featured remarks by Mr. MacDonell, Nova Scotia songstress Rosalee Peppard, singing The Nova Scotia Wild Blueberry Blues and children's author Paddy Muir, who wrote Wild Ones to educate youth about the wild blueberry.
For more information about the wild blueberry or Select Nova Scotia, go to www.selectnovascotia.ca.