March 26, 1999
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

The following statement was issued today by Kevin Aylward, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

As part of our commitment to the agriculture industry, I would like to inform the Members of the House of Assembly of the extension to the Agricultural Safety Nets Agreement. This program will receive a provincial contribution of $800,000 and a federal contribution of $1.2 million.

This program covers the National Income Stabilization Account, Crop Insurance, including the Big Game Crop Loss Compensation Program and the Agrifood Innovation Program. It includes marketing, development and diversification, and human resource development programming.

This agreement has already contributed over $6 million to

non-supply managed commodities since 1996. To date we have concentrated on developing the beef sector, forage and pasture development, the berry industry, the fur industry, hogs, sheep and the vegetable sector.

We have helped over 200 farmers and will continue to support this sector of our rural economy. Jobs in agriculture are important and can be expanded upon through further development of the industry. The regional economic development boards across the province have made agriculture a priority and we have initiated discussions with them directly, to assist in their strategic plans.

Funds under this agreement will be used for land clearing, land improvement and drainage, improvements to feed efficiency as well as funds to diversify the industry.

This cost-shared program has provided the opportunity for industry diversification, value-added and further processing opportunities.

The Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods together with our provincial counterparts are presently negotiating with Agriculture and Agrifood Canada for a new five year commitment to the Safety Nets Agreement. This will create the environment for continued safety net support into the next millennium. In closing, I would like to thank the federal government and particularly Minister Lyle Vancleif, for continued support of this program.

Our government is committed to continue diversification of the industry, as well as assisting farmers in creating new markets.

1999 03 26 9:20 a.m.