B.C. is joining Ottawa鈥檚 legal defence effort to respond to an investigation into Canada鈥檚 blueberry exports by the U.S. International Trade Commission.

The U.S. agency鈥檚 show little detail about the investigation, other than a start date of September and a decision date of March 29, 2021. It is listed under 鈥渋mport injury investigations鈥� under the title 鈥渇resh, chilled or frozen blueberries.鈥�

B.C. Agriculture Minister Lana Popham and Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon issued their first statement on the matter Dec. 30, announcing the province is contributing to economic research for the federal government鈥檚 legal strategy.

鈥淭he majority of Canada鈥檚 exports of fresh blueberries to the U.S. originate in British Columbia,鈥� they said. 鈥淥ur province鈥檚 approximately 800 blueberry growers are facing a U.S. trade investigation that could impact their livelihoods.

鈥淭he U.S. ITC could recommend tariffs or quotas if it finds U.S. blueberry growers are injured or are threatened to be injured by imports. In the meantime, B.C. growers face mounting legal fees and economic uncertainty. This impacts many of the hard-working people who rely on agriculture to provide for their families.鈥�

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