The province is giving the
Ontario Ginseng Growers’ Association $420,000 to promote and increase
the visibility and demand for Canadian ginseng in current and emerging markets,
such as those in Asia.
The ginseng growers plan to develop a social
media and marketing campaign that includes increasing awareness of the
innovative uses for Canadian ginseng in products such as soups, teas and
cosmetics. It will also support their promotions at trade shows in key Asian
markets.
Ginseng is one of Canada's largest field-grown
horticultural export crops with sales of more than 2.63 million kilograms
annually at a value exceeding $239 million last year.
It is one of Ontario’s most profitable crops.
Demand for
Canadian ginseng is on the rise throughout Asia, with growing interest in India
and Japan.
The Ontario Ginseng Growers Association represents
more than 140 growers who are North America’s leading growers. Ontario is now
the only province growing ginseng after British Columbia was hit by disease.
