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NLIS 4 January 13, 2004 (Forest Resources and Agrifoods) First meeting of Farm Practices Review Board set for Corner Brook Ed Byrne, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, said today the initial meeting of the Farm Practices Review Board is scheduled to take place in Corner Brook on January 14. The review board is a pivotal component of the Farm Practices Protection Act which took effect in May 2003. The main purpose of the act is to protect farmers, who operate farms in an acceptable manner, from court action related to nuisance complaints relating to issues such as odours, noise and dust. The Farm Practices Review Board will be responsible for conducting impartial hearings for reviewing complaints of this nature against agricultural operations throughout the province. According to Minister Byrne the board will be a practical mechanism to mediate disputes between farmers and their neighbours. "In recent years, significant quantities of agricultural land have been affected by the expansion of urban and suburban areas," said Minister Byrne. "The farm practices protection legislation, through the review board, will aim to ensure there is a balance between safeguarding farming operations and protecting the public from unacceptable disturbances that may result from farming activity." The Farm Practices Review Board will consist of five members, including three from the farming community, one representative from the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Municipalities and one community representative. Merv Wiseman, president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture, will chair the Farm Practices Review Board. Mr. Wiseman said he is looking forward to the first meeting of the Farm Practices Review Board. "The agriculture industry in this province views the implementation of the Farm Practices Protection Act as a key to further expansion of the industry in this province. Farmers need such legislation to ensure that they can continue to farm and develop the agricultural potential of this province," said Mr. Wiseman. "The Farm Practices Review Board will prove to be beneficial to both the agriculture industry and the general public as the board will help resolve disputes by determining whether or not a farm is operating in accordance with acceptable environmental guidelines." Minister Byrne also feels the establishment of the Farm Practices Review Board will be beneficial to municipalities. "Although the board will not impact the rights of local municipalities to plan and enact regulations, it will give them a new means to deal with agricultural issues inside their jurisdiction," the minister stated. "Municipalities can now take their concerns to the board. The board will have the resources and expertise of a mediator, who will be able to work with the farmers and the public to address the concerns." NOTE TO EDITORS:Mr. Wiseman will be available to the media prior to the start of the meeting at 9 a.m., January 14, Mamateek Inn, Corner Brook. Media contact: Carmel Turpin, Communications 2004 01 13 3:20 p.m. |
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