October is Agriculture Awareness Month

October is Agriculture Awareness Month in Newfoundland and Labrador and the Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, Rick Woodford, today reminded the public of the important contribution that the agrifoods industry makes to our provincial economy.

"Our agrifoods industry is growing and diversifying, and October is a time identified each year to highlight the agriculture sector and the great strides being made in our province and across the country," said Minister Woodford.

He added that agriculture in Newfoundland and Labrador has become more innovative and has the potential for new economic opportunities in our rural communities. "Our agrifoods industry is key to diversifying our rural areas and creating new opportunities for economic development. Government is proud to be working with industry to further develop the agrifoods sector, resulting in diversified growth, environmental integrity and production of safe food and high quality products."

Minister Woodford said the growing demand for high-quality food and value-added products is changing the face of the Newfoundland and Labrador agrifoods industry. "I commend everyone involved in the industry for their commitment and dedication to moving our industry forward to meet the demands of the global economy. Our farmers are becoming more innovative and market oriented, producing everything from berries to Christmas trees."

The minister encouraged everyone to support Newfoundland and Labrador agriculture and to buy local products at the grocery store. "Let's continue to work together to grow our industry, and remember that buying locally-grown products helps to ensure the long-term growth of our important agriculture industry."

Minister Woodford also added that his department's 2001 Agriculture Awareness Campaign got underway this past weekend - the theme is "We Are Growing." The awareness campaign will feature a series of T.V., radio and newspaper ads throughout the fall, as well as a number of other initiatives. The campaign is designed to promote the agrifoods industry and increase consumer awareness of the contribution it makes to our economy, the wide variety of products grown in our province, the high quality of our products, and the growing diversification that is taking place in our agrifoods industry.

The agriculture industry in Newfoundland and Labrador employs over 4,000 people and has an economic value of $500 million.

Media contact: Sonia B. Glover, Communications, (709) 729-6183.

2001 10 09                            2:05 p.m.