Canada’s private and public sectors have teamed up in New Brunswick to promote the local blueberry industry with a CAD$184 million (US$176.5 million) investment.

The project, administered by Oxford Frozen Foods Ltd, is supported by CAD$37.5 million (US$36 million) in funding from government body Invest NB to build a new processing facility and improve wild blueberry fields.

Premier David Alward highlighted the investment as a move to rebuild the economy and provide employment as part of the New Brunswick Wild Blueberry Sector Strategy.

Construction of the 12,600 square meter facility will begin in spring 2014, with a pricetag of CAD$50 million (US$48 million).  Investment in equiment and field improvements will span over a 10-year period.

Overall, the project should produce up to 300 jobs in the Acadian Peninsula and contribute $8.6 million annually to the province’s gross national product.

Oxford Frozen Foods Ltd is described as the world’s largest grower and processor of wild blueberries.