NLIS 9
October 3, 2002
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

 

Newfoundland and Labrador farmers to open their doors to the public

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians will have the opportunity to experience farm life when eight farms across the province participate in Open Farm Day on October 6 to kick off the 4th annual Canadian Agriculture and Food Celebration. More than 135 farms across the Atlantic region will open their doors to the public.

Open Farm Day is an event aimed at educating the public on where food comes from and the importance of Canada�s agriculture and agri-food industry. The day is being organized by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, Sobeys and the Horticulture Producers Council.

The day�s theme is "Support Newfoundland and Labrador Grown".

"Agriculture in Canada is evolving, and I am proud to see that farmers are embracing that change as well," said Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lyle Vanclief. "The new Agricultural Policy Framework is about governments and industry, particularly the farmers, all working together to make Canada the world leader in food safety and quality, environmentally responsible production and innovation."

"We are happy to be joining with other Atlantic provinces in participating in Open Farm Day. It is indeed a special event where visitors can get a glimpse of the latest in technology, see how agricultural products are harvested and view the variety of new and non -traditional crops being grown in our province," added Forest Resources and Agrifoods Minister Rick Woodford. "Our agriculture sector is growing and diversifying, and Open Farm Day will give the public a wonderful opportunity to see this first hand."

Participating farms include vegetable, fruit and livestock operations, a dairy farm and an alpaca operation.

The agrifoods industry in Newfoundland and Labrador includes 740 farms and 100 manufacturers. The industry, with sales in excess of $500 million annually, employs more than 4,000 people.

A list of Open Farm Day locations in Newfoundland and Labrador is available at www.gov.nl.ca//www.gov.nl.ca/agric/events.htm.

Media contact:

John Morrison
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Charlottetown (PEI)
(902) 566-7308

Jennifer Walsh
Open Farm Day co-ordinator
Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods
Corner Brook
(709) 637-2086

Sonia Glover
Communications
Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods
St. John�s
(709) 729-6183

2002 10 03                                       4:45 p.m.


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