Josiane Cormier, representing the Association of Strawberry and Raspberry Producers of Quebec, told reporters that grocery stores across the province are experiencing a noticeable shortage of locally grown small fruits this summer. She linked the shortfall to a surge in imports of strawberries and raspberries from the United States and Mexico, which she described as creating unfair competition for Quebec producers.
According to Cormier, the influx of foreign berries has resulted in imported fruit occupying a larger share of store shelves throughout the summer of 2026. She observed that the increased presence of U.S. and Mexican produce has limited the visibility and availability of strawberries and raspberries grown in Quebec, making it more difficult for local growers to reach consumers.
The association’s concerns focus on the economic pressure that imported berries place on Quebec farms. By crowding out domestic fruit, the imports are said to reduce market opportunities for regional producers who rely on grocery‑store sales to sustain their operations. Cormier emphasized that the situation threatens the viability of the province’s small‑fruit sector, which depends on consistent retail presence.
Local strawberry and raspberry growers echo the association’s assessment, noting that the dominance of imported berries on shelves this summer has diminished the overall stock of Quebec‑grown fruit. They point to the same pattern of imported produce overwhelming the market, which they view as a direct challenge to the competitiveness of home‑grown berries.
The issue highlights a broader tension between domestic agricultural interests and cross‑border trade dynamics, as Quebec producers seek measures that would level the playing field against foreign suppliers during the current season.