NLIS 6
(Natural Resources)
April 29, 2005
 

Annual Agrifood and Garden Show taking place in Corner Brook this weekend

Ed Byrne, Minister of Natural Resources, announced today the annual Agrifood and Garden Show will be taking place this weekend, April 29-May 1, at the Pepsi Centre in Corner Brook. Minister Byrne will officially open the show at approximately 7:00 p.m. this evening.

Minister Byrne said the Department of Natural Resources is proud to be the major sponsor and organizer of this show which attracts approximately 8,000 visitors every year.

"The Agrifoods and Garden Show, which was established in 1998 to promote the province�s agrifood and horticulture industry, has proven to be a valuable showcase for producers," said Minister Byrne. "This event provides people of all ages with an opportunity to learn more about our vibrant local agriculture sector in an exciting, informative and fun-filled setting."

The minister said the popularity of this event is evident by the fact that the 2005 show is full to capacity. All sectors of the province�s agriculture and agrifoods industry will be represented including the chicken, milk and egg commodity boards.

The show will include several popular demonstrations and seminars covering everything from tips for growing vegetables to food preparation safety presented by a variety of industry professionals.
A significant amount of the support provided for the Agrifood and Garden Show focuses on educating the public about the agrifood and horticulture industry. In fact, more than 5,000 school children in the Corner Brook area have been provided with free passes to the show, compliments of the Department of Natural Resources and the provincial commodity boards. These boards have been very active in promoting this show and have been instrumental in its success. One specific attraction that is certain to garner a lot of interest is the �School Veggie Bus.� This colorful display is designed to raise the awareness of the benefits associated with the consumption of locally-grown vegetables among school-aged children.

The agriculture industry in Newfoundland and Labrador is a significant contributor to the provincial economy particularly in rural areas. The industry is worth $500 million and provides direct and indirect employment for 6,200 people on an annual basis and continues to grow.

"Government supports such exhibitions as the Agrifood and Garden Show because of the opportunity it provides to producers to showcase their products and services and give visitors a chance to see first-hand the impressive level of high-quality products generated by the local agrifoods industry," said Minister Byrne. "I encourage as many people as possible to take the time over the weekend to visit the Agrifood and Garden Show in Corner Brook."

Media contact: Carmel Turpin, Communications, (709) 729-5282, (709) 685-4624

2005 04 29                          12:30 p.m.