Chocolate eggs, fluffy yellow chicks and the Easter bunny are signs that Easter is almost here. But a spring season favourite that's grown in British Columbia always steals some of that spotlight. Fields in the Fraser Valley are now lined with millions of vibrantly coloured B.C.-grown tulips, ready to be picked and brighten up homes for upcoming family gatherings.

B.C. is the largest producer of cut tulips and bulbs in Canada and within the province the tulip industry is a major player. Tulip market sales account for more than one-quarter of B.C.'s entire cut flower industry. In 2009, B.C. tulip growers hand-harvested approximately 21 million tulip stems. That same year, the entire cut flower industry contributed nearly $41 million to B.C.'s economy.

For three to four weeks every April, weather permitting, tulip fields in the Fraser Valley are hot spots for budding photographers and tourists eager to capture the rainbow of colour on camera. Weary commuters heading to and from work are also treated to the uplifting sight in fields that line the Valley's major routes.

Bringing Fraser Valley tulips home is one of many ways you can enjoy local agriculture this Easter. Visit one of the 125 farmers markets in communities across B.C. for fresh local agricultural products. Rhubarb and leafy vegetables are coming into season, and may already be available at grocery retailers both large and small.

Why It Matters:

• Tulips are the main cut flower grown in B.C., with over 21 million stems produced in 2009.
• In 2009, the cut flower industry contributed nearly $41 million to B.C.'s economy.
• B.C.'s cut flower industry grows a diverse range of field and greenhouse-grown annuals, perennials, bulbs, ornamental grasses and woody cut flower crops.
• Gerbera daisies are now the second major cut flower crop grown in B.C.
• Other popular cut flowers grown in B.C. include alstomerias, spray chrysanthemums, daffodils, freesia, irises, standard roses and snapdragons.

• The field tulip season is only three to four weeks long.
• B.C. farmers grow more than 40 tulip varieties in the field.
• Tulips continue to grow even after being cut. To care for tulips at home:
• Cut 2.5 centimetres (one inch) from the stems every two days.
• Set the vase in a cool place away from the sun.
• Keep the vase clean with fresh water.
• The United Flower Growers auction in Burnaby plays a significant role in the marketing of B.C. tulips and other floral products:
• It is the largest "Dutch-style" flower auction in North America.
• The auction operates out of a 1.8 hectare facility in south Burnaby.
• For more info, please visit: www.ufgca.com
• Tiptoe around 16 hectares (40 acres) of tulips at the 2011 Tulip Festival in Agassiz, beginning April 16:
• For more info, see: www.tulipsofthevalley.com

Learn More at:

• To find in-season local farm products, including B.C.-grown tulips and cut flowers please visit: www.bcfarmfresh.com

Media Contact:
Patrick Vert
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Agriculture
250 387-1693