Nova Scotia’s apples are poised to reach more overseas tables this year.
The province’s fruit growers association said it’s taking steps toward the goal of shipping some of this season’s apple harvest to Taiwan.
It marks a new move by Nova Scotian growers to diversify their global markets amid Canada-U.S. trade tensions.
The United States currently accounts for 90 per cent of Nova Scotia’s apple exports, according to the Nova Scotia Fruit Growers’ Association. While the sector remains untouched by direct tariffs, local growers are seizing the moment as an opportunity.
“We’ve built a great relationship with the consumers in certain American states and cities,” said Emily Lutz, the association’s executive director.
“But it is important now more than ever to have alternatives available, and just for other markets to be aware of the quality of fruit that we grow in Nova Scotia.”
The move will help growers find a stronger position in case there is a future trade disruption.
Data shared by the association show the province’s apple exports to the U.S. exceeded $28 million last year. It was followed by Vietnam, which imported nearly $750,000 worth of Nova Scotia apples.
Lutz said Vietnam has become Nova Scotia’s second-largest apple market after a foothold was established about seven years ago.
Growers are now targeting the Taiwan market this year, while also looking to enter Thailand. Lutz said many Southeast Asian countries do not grow apples, which creates opportunities for imports.
Although those countries are closer to Australian and New Zealand producers, Nova Scotia will benefit from having the opposite harvest season.
Emily Lutz said some Southeast Asian countries do not grow apples, which creates opportunities for fruit producers like Nova Scotia. (Paul Légère/Radio-Canada)
In February, the federal government launched the Agrimarketing program, providing $75 million over five years to agriculture businesses nationwide to find new markets. Out of that, the Nova Scotia Fruit Growers’ Association secured $300,000.
Lutz said the funding can support their various market development activities, such as attending international exhibitions and hiring local marketing experts.
Michael Van Meekeren, vice-president of Van Meekeren Farms Ltd. in Lakeville, N.S, said while this year’s apple crop is not the largest on record, it is still a bumper season, and having access to new markets is an exciting opportunity for growers.
Van Meekeren said Nova Scotia will prioritize exporting varieties with a strong global competitive edge, such as honeycrisp and ambrosia.
He believes exports will not strain local supply, as the Atlantic region has a small population and abundant apple resources.
“We just export the ones that really shine from Nova Scotia,” Van Meekeren said. “I think it is the right thing to do for Nova Scotia when we have something that is as good or better than any others in the world.”
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