Province at leading edge in Sea Buckthorn research and development

The Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, Rick Woodford, today provided an update on research and development work on a new crop called Sea Buckthorn, which is known for its tremendous nutrient and nutraceutical value.

The Department of Forest Resources & Agrifoods has been researching the potential of Sea Buckthorn as a commercial crop for Newfoundland and Labrador for about three years. Minister Woodford said the results are encouraging and the start of commercial production is expected in about four years with maximum production achieved in seven years.

The minister said Newfoundland and Labrador is at the leading edge of Sea Buckthorn research and development work in all of North America and government is excited about the potential opportunities that exist with this crop. He said his department recently teamed up with industry in establishing Sea Buckthorn trials around the province, which will further advance the work being done on the new berry.

"Our department has now undertaken a commercial pilot project with the private sector to establish four two-acre Sea Buckthorn orchards in different regions of the province," said Minister Woodford. "The intent of this project is to establish suitable varieties for production in the different regions under their unique climatic and soil conditions. We also hope that these orchards will become the nucleus for industry growth in the province."

Minister Woodford said government is pleased to be working with industry in helping advance Sea Buckthorn research and development into the commercial stage. He added that government is committed to continue making good things happen in the agrifoods sector and position Newfoundland and Labrador at the forefront of the Sea Buckthorn industry.

"The Sea Buckthorn project is one of many important research and development initiatives we are working on that will help create new opportunities in our agriculture industry, especially in rural areas of our province," said Minister Woodford. "Government is committed to ensuring the industry reaches its full potential and our advances in Sea Buckthorn is an example of real change that is taking place in our growing and diversifying agrifoods industry."

In addition to the four new trials being established in conjunction with industry, the department also has an one acre Sea Buckthorn orchid established at the Wooddale Provincial Tree Nursery and smaller test plots located at Pynn�s Brook and the Tree Nursery in Goose Bay.

The department has acquired parent material of seven Russian varieties and six European varieties, which will be propagated and evaluated for the production and suitability to local conditions.

The methods of propagation being investigated are hard cuttings, soft cuttings and root cuttings. Given the limited parent material available for propagation and the success rate with soft cuttings, this method was used to increase the number of all varieties.

To date, approximately 10,000 Sea Buckthorn plants have been propagated in the province from the imported plant material.

The minister said besides research and development initiatives being undertaken by government, several local entrepreneurs around the province have already invested in establishing Sea Buckthorn orchards. The minister also noted that Sea Buckthorn products are a major component in the planned expansion of a local winery into a juice and nutracutical enterprise and said it is encouraging to have both local production and secondary processing developing simultaneously.

The juice of the Sea Buckthorn berry is a staple in the diets of its native countries, such as Russia and Germany. There are a variety of products made from the Sea Buckthorn fruit, including jams, jellies, syrups, wines, liqueurs and flavored vodkas. The oils from the pulp and the seed are highly prized ingredients in many nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. As well, the residue from the Sea Buckthorn and the leaves of the plant are also used as a supplement in animal feed.

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

2002 10 21                                        3:00 p.m.