New export requirements for Ontario cherries

Effective June 1, 2017, fresh cherries grown in Ontario will be prohibited from moving into the United States and British Columbia, and must be certified free from European cherry fruit fly (R. cerasi) before being moved to other provinces in Canada.

The European cherry fruit fly is a harmful plant pest that can have devastating effects on cherry crops.  These restrictions are being put in place to prevent the spread of this pest outside of Ontario.

The directive will remain in place indefinitely to prevent the movement and spread of European cherry fruit fly in Canada and the US.

Additional information is available on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website.