<p><strong>Vancouver, B.C.</strong><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> British Columbia's blueberry growers are gearing up for a strong crop this year despite the recent rains. Picking in a majority of areas will start around July 18. Over 800 growers will begin a harvest that is on track to equal 2011's record season. Berry lovers can expect to see fresh B.C. blueberries in their local produce departments, at farmers' markets and at farm gate stands.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> British Columbia's blueberry growers employ more than 10,000 workers, mainly within the Fraser Valley corridor, to work in the fields, harvest, pack and process the fruit. Sales of B.C. blueberries are again expected to top $100 million in 2012. Along with domestic sales within Canada, B.C. blueberries are also exported to 21 countries globally, including Japan, the United Kingdom and Germany, according to a press release. Last year's crop, coming in at 43 million kilograms, made B.C. the world's largest highbush blueberry growing region. Harvesting started approximately three weeks later than usual, and the 2012 crop is on track to start at the same time.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> Debbie Etsell, Executive Director of the British Columbia Blueberry Council, stated, "We're no further behind than we were last year, and last year turned out to be a record crop," and continues, "The berry clusters are starting to colour, and once they get a little sun, we'll quickly see them ripen."<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><a class="btn btn-sm btn-primary col-lg-12" style="white-space: normal;" href=" http://www.bcblueberry.com" target="_new">British Columbia Blueberry Council</a></p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
