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March 27, 2000
(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:

It is with pleasure that I stand in the House of Assembly today to congratulate Landscape Newfoundland and Labrador on a very successful trade show over the weekend. In addition, I had the pleasure of meeting with the Newfoundland and Labrador Horticulture Council, an organization that represents sectors of this industry. Horticulture is the science and art of growing vegetables, fruits, flowers and ornamental plants.

It is the dedication of the business community and marketing such as trade shows and conferences that help keep us in touch with new horticulture initiatives and issues that are important to the industry.

For example, the rapid expansion in consumer acceptance and consumption of medicinal and nutraceutical products has created significant opportunities in the production and processing of the many of these medicinal herbs. There was recently a Nutraceutical Conference held in St. John�s that was well attended by industry representatives.

In support of the medicinal and nutraceutical sector, the department has established a number of trials and on farm demonstration plots across the province in an effort to evaluate the potential of a selection of medicinal herbs for commercial production. The Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods believes that the province is well positioned to benefit economically from this growth industry.

The traditional horticulture sector has a long history in Newfoundland. From cabbage to potatoes to our native fruits to greenhouses. Newfoundland and Labrador farmers grow high quality crops. In 1998 there were over 1,900 acres of crop planted with a value of over

$5 million dollars. With the increase in landscape, gardening and nutraceuticals the horticulture industry has tremendous growth potential.

We have heard from the major retail chains that they want local product. This industry is expanding to meet that demand. I was pleased to have the opportunity on Friday to open the Landscape 2000 show. I was very impressed with the quality of the exhibitions and the high level of attendance over the weekend. This sector is expanding and we look forward to a productive season for the horticulture industry.

2000 03 27                                                     4:20 p.m.


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