FREDERICTON (GNB) – An even exchange of Crown land for private land for blueberry production in the Acadian Peninsula has been finalized between Acadian Farms Development Partnership and the Department of Natural Resources.

The company, a subsidiary of Oxford Frozen Foods Ltd., exchanged 6,361 hectares (15,712 acres) with the department.

“I am happy that this exchange will enable Oxford Frozen Foods to move on to the construction of a new processing facility that will increase the opportunity for the region to flourish as a leader in the blueberry development sector,” said Natural Resources Minister Paul Robichaud. “I am also pleased that the lands acquired by the province through this exchange will become available for future development for all New Brunswickers as Crown land.”

Last fall, the company announced an investment of $184 million which includes the construction of a $50-million, 12,600-sq.-metre (140,000-sq.-ft.) processing facility, the development of wild blueberry fields and the creation of up to 300 jobs on the Acadian Peninsula.

In 2013 the provincial government released the New Brunswick Wild Blueberry Sector Strategy, a five-year strategy to support producers in keeping pace with the growing worldwide demand for wild blueberries.

“Investing in the value-added food sector and in New Brunswick workers is an important part of our government's plan to create jobs and put our resources to work in our communities,” said Robichaud. “Our government is committed to working with strong partners like Oxford Frozen Foods to grow the blueberry sector throughout our province and achieve the vision outlined in the provincial strategy.”

The investment by Oxford Frozen Foods Ltd. is expected to contribute up to $8.6 million annually to the province's gross domestic product. The company is the world's largest grower and processor of wild blueberries with manufacturing facilities in the Maritimes and the United States.

The map showing the location of the exchanged lands is available online.


16-06-14