Florida agriculture will have stronger presence in Canadian stores
By Diego Flammini, Farms.com
A joint venture by the Florida Department of Agriculture and three Canadian provinces including Quebec will showcase agricultural products from the Sunshine State in grocery stores.
“Canada has long been a great trade partner with us, and we want to see that continue to expand,” Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam said. “We continue to see growth in international exports of ‘Fresh From Florida' products, proving that there is nothing better than what we grow right here in Florida.”
The Florida Department of Agriculture is currently working with 1,824 stores across three provinces to promote “Fresh From Florida” products. Tomatoes, sweet corn, grapefruit, strawberries, blueberries and orange juice are on display across Canada – who also happens to be Florida’s largest trade partner.
Retail promotions in Canada is seen as an ongoing priority as more than 26,900 ads have been displayed in the past year. Florida’s Department of Agriculture also developed relationships with Canadian organizations at the Canadian Produce Marketing Association Trade Show that took place in Montreal, Quebec earlier in April.
Canada’s recent imports from Florida are strong:
- Canada received $917 million of Florida’s agricultural exports, which equals about 22% of all agricultural exports
- $243 million (61%) of Florida’s fresh fruits and $232 million (77%) of fresh vegetables
- Canada imported 18% more oranges from Florida in 2014 than in 2013
- Florida’s exports of peaches to Canada has increased 192% over time
Join the conversation and tell us your thoughts on Florida increasing their agricultural presence in Canada. As a Florida farmer will you increase your production to keep up with the demand?
Florida oranges and other agricultural products are being promoted in Canada