Agriculture fairs showing great success

The Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, Rick Woodford, today commented on this year�s agriculture fairs taking place throughout the province and their importance to our agriculture industry.

"Agricultural fairs and festivals have been a tradition in our province for over 45 years and continue to grow each year," said Minister Woodford. "These events celebrate the importance of the agrifoods industry to our province and provide an opportunity to showcase the good things that are happening in this growing sector of our economy."

The minister said, "Not only do these fairs highlight our agriculture industry through impressive displays and exhibits, they have developed into fun-filled gatherings for family and friends alike. Indeed, there is something for everyone to enjoy at agriculture fairs and they have become quite popular with tourists visiting our province."

Minister Woodford said agriculture fairs held so far this year, from the Agrifood and Garden Show in Corner Brook and the Humber Valley Strawberry Festival in Deer Lake to the Brigus Blueberry Festival and the Farm Field Day in St. John�s, have been very successful.

"The growing success and interest in agriculture fairs was demonstrated by the turnout at this year�s Agrifood and Garden Show. Approximately 8,000 people attended the show in May, which is a 12 per cent increase over last year. This is indeed something for the organizers and the industry to be proud of," said the minister.

"I wish to commend all of the organizers and volunteers of the various agriculture fairs for their dedication and hard work. Congratulations to those who have already experienced successful events this year and best wishes to others as they prepare for their festivities over the coming days and weeks," added the minister.

Approximately 18 agriculture fairs take place in Newfoundland and Labrador each year. In 2002, over 60,000 people attended agriculture fairs in the province.

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

2003 09 08                                         2:35 p.m.