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NLIS 1
August 9, 2000
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

 

Relocation of agriculture headquarters will not affect service to Avalon Peninsula

Service currently provided to agriculture stakeholders on the Avalon Peninsula will not be jeopardized as a result of the move of the provincial headquarters says Kevin Aylward, the minister responsible for agriculture and agrifoods management in Newfoundland and Labrador.

"An Eastern Regional office will be established, at a location yet to be determined, to maintain an effective level of service to the eastern part of the province. Those involved in aspects of the industry including crop production, poultry, live stock and land use management will have access to the same services," said Aylward. "The Eastern Regional office will operate in the same fashion as Western Regional office currently providing service to that region of the province.

According to Aylward, the move of the headquarters is in accordance with the department�s Agrifood Development Strategy. "Innovation has been identified as vital component to future growth in the Newfoundland and Labrador agriculture and agri-food industry. New opportunities have been identified in meat and meat products, fresh and processed vegetables, dairy products, nutraceuticals/functional foods, beverages, as well as for other products," said Aylward. "Several areas in rural parts of the province have been identified as potential locations to pursue initiatives in these industry sectors. While the Avalon region accounts for a significant portion of farm gate receipts for the island portion of the province, it is in established industries which produce eggs, poultry and dairy products."

The nature of the agriculture and wildlife sectors require resources to be widely distributed throughout the province. As a result, the headquarters function can operate from anyone of several major centres. It makes sense to consolidate this division of the department in Corner Brook as the majority of wildlife and forestry services will operate out of the same location. Agrifoods and wildlife are activities which are certainly more prominent in the rural areas of the province, and as such, the decentralization outside the major urban centre is consistent with the location of the resource.

Media contact: Craig Renouf, (709) 637-2923, fax: (709) 637-2403.

2000 08 10                         10:40 a.m.


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