The Coast of Bays Corporation has partnered with the
Gambo-Indian Bay Development Association and five central region economic development
zones - Schooner, Discovery, Exploits Valley, Kittiwake and Emerald - to develop a
blueberry industry in the province.
Darryl Taylor was in the Coast of Bays region on July 5 and delivered a
presentation on the industry - the type of land required, farming blueberries, getting the
best yield, products and the global markets. It is the goal of the partnership to
establish a blueberry co-operative in the central region to supply berries to a variety of
markets and to investigate secondary processing opportunities. Darryl stated that
2000 acres of blueberry farmland producing 1500 pounds per acre has the potential of
creating an annual farmgate revenue of $1,000,000 and 20 full time jobs.
He also mentioned that there are no blueberry maggots/fruit flies in
Newfoundland berries. This is a common pest in mainland berries, . Newfoundland berries
are for the most part considered to be chemical free and have a superior taste and
flavour. Studies have shown that blueberries or their extracts cause:
Improved memory and motor skills
Shows cancer fighting promise
Useful in treating and preventing urinary tract infections
Links to reduced eyestrain and other neutraceutical benefits, and
Retards the effects of aging.
The partnership will be hiring a consultant within the next few weeks to
formulate a development plan for the whole central region. This industry holds great
potential for the Coast of Bays region. |
