September 22, 1999
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

Professional Christmas wreath workshops

The Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, in partnership with the Newfoundland and Labrador Horticulture Council and Northwoods Natural Wreath Company Limited, recently sponsored a workshop for entrepreneurs interested in producing Christmas wreaths.

Minister Kevin Aylward stated: "The training was funded through the Human Resource Development component of the Agrifoods Innovation Program. It is an integral part of the Canada-Newfoundland Safety Net Agreement. This program is designed to assist in the expansion and development of new agricultural endeavors. Of the 17 participants in St. John's and the 19 in Gander, many are already involved in part-time or seasonal industries. For some, such as greenhouse operators, making and exporting Christmas wreaths is a viable way to keep their operations busy during the off-season."

The wreath industry is a new venture for this province, however, it has provided thousands of seasonal jobs for decades in the maritime provinces. Last year two pilot projects were initiated late in the season. They resulted in the export of approximately 10,000 locally produced Christmas wreaths. Since that time, these pilot projects have attracted the interest of many Newfoundland entrepreneurs.

Traditionally, there has been only a few wreath producers supplying the local niche market in Newfoundland. However, recent interest has been focused on the export market which has enjoyed continuous growth of late. Market opportunities look good for the foreseeable future. Newfoundland entrepreneurs want to be a part of this industry.

Newfoundland and Labrador has plenty of balsam fir - the species of choice in the wreath industry. The removal of tips for wreath production, if done in the correct manner, has no measurable impact on the production of wood fiber that would raise concern for other forest industries.

"The production of Christmas wreaths is a labour intensive economic activity requiring limited capital investment. Given an abundance of local labour, the renewable resource (balsam fir), and the availability of under utilised facilities, it is logical that a wreath industry be developed here. Such an industry has the potential to provide many seasonal jobs in both the harvesting of tips and tying of wreaths," Aylward concluded. "The department has received positive feedback as a result of these two workshops. There have also been many inquiries from other areas of the province about additional workshops," Aylward said. "This is a possibility that is presently being explored and is subject to the availability of funding."

Media contact: Cynthia Layden-Barron, (709) 729-6183.

1999 09 22 3:55 p.m.