Exports of B.C. greenhouse peppers to the Japanese market could reach $20 million annually, according to the B.C. Greenhouse Growers’ Association. Japan is a key destination for Canadian agricultural products, and this new market access will allow B.C. greenhouse growers to take advantage of the many opportunities.
Quick facts
- Japan is Canada’s third-largest agricultural export market. In 2015, Canadian exports of agriculture, agri-food, and fish and seafood products to Japan totalled $3.8 billion, with key exports including canola ($1.0 billion), pork ($821 million), wheat ($406 million), and soybeans ($324 million).
- In 2015, Canadian exports of fresh peppers (Capsicum annuum) to the world were valued at $330 million, while B.C. exports of fresh peppers to the world totalled $90 million in 2015.
- Japanese imports of fresh peppers from all countries were valued at $169 million in 2015.
"Japan is an important market for Canadian businesses, and I was very pleased to advocate for our exporters during a working visit to Japan in May. When our producers and exporters succeed abroad Canadians and our middle class benefit here at home. New access for Canadian peppers is a reflection of our government’s strong support for British Columbian farmers, and I look forward to building on this success and furthering our trading relationship with Japan," Chrystia Freeland, Minister of International Trade, adds.