N.B. producers export seed potatoes to Cuba

Agriculture and Aquaculture
N.B. producers export seed potatoes to Cuba (06/11/09)

NB 1387

Nov. 9, 2006

FREDERICTON (CNB) - New Brunswick is continuing its 80-year history of
trade with Cuba, as eight New Brunswick exporters prepare to ship 8,500
tonnes of seed potatoes to that country over the next two weeks.

"Cuba is one of New Brunswick's major offshore seed potato export
markets," Agriculture and Aquaculture Minister Ronald Ouellette said.
"It's extremely important for our seed potato producers to go out of
their way to meet the needs of that market."

In order to strengthen the trade relationship between the province and
Cuba, and identify new trade opportunities, representatives from the
department, Potatoes New Brunswick and the New Brunswick Seed Potato
Export Corporation recently attended the Havana International Trade Show.

In the long term, Cuba is interested in introducing new varieties of
potatoes and for that reason, 23 New Brunswick varieties will undergo
rigorous evaluation and yield trials in Cuba. Results of these trials
will help determine the most suitable potato varieties for climatic and
soil conditions in Cuba.

As well, to demonstrate the province's commitment to the Cuban market,
the Bon Accord Elite Seed Potato Centre has provided seed for five
variety trial locations currently growing in Cuba. The centre has also
increased production of the varieties now in demand for Cuba.

Market development activities and variety trials in Cuba are
co-ordinated through the Strategic Marketing Partnership Committee of
Potatoes New Brunswick.

With exports in excess of $4 million annually, Cuba is the second
largest market of New Brunswick seed potatoes after the U.S.

06/11/09

MEDIA CONTACT: Alain Bryar, communications, Agriculture and Aquaculture,
506-444-4218.

06/11/09

http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/afa/2006e1387af.htm