Province extends safety nets program Kevin Aylward, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, announced the continuation of the Agricultural Safety Nets Agreement. This program will receive an extension for the 1999/2000 fiscal year. The province will contribute $800,000 to the federal-provincial cost-shared program. Mr. Aylward stated: "This program includes marketing development, development and diversification and human resource development programming." It has contributed over $6 million to the industry since 1996. To date, funds have been spent on developing the beef sector, for forage and pasture development, in small fruits, the fur industry, the development of the goat and hog industries, and in the sheep and vegetable sectors. "The funds will be used for land clearing, land improvement and drainage, improvements to feed efficiency as well as funds to diversify the industry. Our government is committed to continuing to support the diversification of the industry, as well as assisting farmers in creating new markets and training for farmers," said the minister. Media contact: Cynthia Layden-Barron, Communications, (709) 729-6183. 1999 03 22 |
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