Effective June 1st, 2017, fresh cherries produced in Ontario will be prohibited from moving into British Columbia, and must be certified free from European cherry fruit fly before being moved to other provinces in Canada. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has also prohibited fresh cherries produced in Ontario from entering the United States. These movement restrictions are intended to minimize the risk of introduction and establishment of the European cherry fruit fly outside of Ontario.
Restricted varieties
The movement restrictions will apply to fresh cherry fruit, including sweet cherries, sour cherries, mahaleb cherries and black cherries produced in Ontario. Processed cherry fruit and nursery stock are exempt from these new restrictions.
Movement Certificate required
Producers in Ontario will be able to move their fresh cherries to other provinces provided that a Movement Certificate issued by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) accompanies the consignment. Fresh Ontario cherries that have not been inspected by the CFIA and do not have a Movement Certificate must remain within the province of Ontario. The CFIA suggests that producers include a statement on their bills-of-lading or other shipping documents to inform their buyers when cherry fruit is not eligible to be moved out of province.
Complete details on CFIA requirements
Movement between other provinces and U.S.
There are no phytosanitary restrictions for fresh cherries produced in any province other than Ontario and moved domestically within Canada.
Fresh cherry fruit that is produced in any province other than Ontario may be exported to the United States provided that the province of origin is clearly indicated on the packaging and on the paperwork accompanying the consignment.
More information
The European cherry fruit fly is the most serious pest of cherries in Europe. Damage associated with this pest is caused by larval feeding in the fruit pulp, which can result in losses of up to 100% if left uncontrolled. This pest may be introduced to new areas with fresh cherries or with soil or fruit from host plants grown in areas where this pest occurs.
- Rhagoletis cerasi (European Cherry Fruit Fly) – Fact Sheet
- D-17-03: Phytosanitary requirements to prevent the spread of Rhagoletis cerasi L. (European cherry fruit fly) within Canada
- Notice to industry: New movement requirements for Ontario cherries to prevent spread of plant pests
- Frequently asked questions: Movement requirements for Ontario cherries