On a trade mission in China last week, federal agriculture minister Gerry Ritz announced Canada had signed a preliminary agreement that would allow Canadian cherries to be exported to China.
Initially, restrictions will be placed on the exports. According to David Geen, vice president of the B.C. Cherry Association, two Chinese inspectors will travel to B.C. later this year to inspect all cherry exports to China and evaluate Canadian inspection systems.
The B.C. Agriculture Council welcomed the move and said it hopes the deal will lead to more agricultural exports agreements with the Asian nation.
“We commend the hard work and perseverance of the B.C. Cherry Growers’ Association and the government of Canada in negotiating this important agreement for B.C. cherries,” said Rhonda Driediger, chair of the B.C. Agricultural Council.
“We are hopeful this agreement will pave the way for access to China for other B.C. agricultural products.”
Only registered cherry growers will be able to take part in the agreement.
Canadian cherries are currently exported to more than 20 countries.
The B.C. Cherry Association has been lobbying the government for access to China for more than six years.
