NLIS 9
June 23, 2005
(Natural Resources)


Minister welcomes news on future of federal research farm

Ed Byrne, Minister of Natural Resources, said today he welcomes the announcement by his federal colleague, Andy Mitchell, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), that a moratorium has been put in place on the proposed closure of several federal research farms across the country, including the Atlantic Cool Climate Crop Research Centre on Brookfield Road in St. John�s.

This February 2005 budget decision of the federal government to close the local research centre came without any previous consultation with the provincial department responsible for agriculture.

�We were certainly surprised at that time to hear of the federal agriculture department�s intention regarding this research facility and experimental farm,� said Minister Byrne. �This research facility is a tremendous asset for the growing agriculture industry in this province and we made our position very clear that we would not let this facility be closed due to maintenance issues at the building.�

Immediately following the February announcement, Minister Byrne had the opportunity to meet with Minister Mitchell at which time he clearly put forward his position as to the future of the Atlantic Cool Climate Crop Research Centre. During that meeting, Minister Byrne received a firm commitment from Minister Mitchell the federal department would not downgrade its research activities in the province and would maintain its scientific and technical research presence at the research centre as well as continue to use the facility�s land base for research.

�We both recognized there were opportunities here for both our departments, as well as other government and academic organizations to not only maintain the current level of agriculture research, but to strengthen and enhance our capabilities as well,� said Minister Byrne. �It was on that basis that we agreed to establish a working group of federal and provincial government representatives, along with a representative of industry, to seek out opportunities for more collaboration on research.�

Minister Byrne said he is pleased Minister Mitchell announced today there will be consultations with the provincial and territorial governments, stakeholders, industry representatives, universities and research institutes in the development of its science strategy.

�We already have a forum in place through the working group to continue discussions on the future of research in the province. We are certainly ahead of the game and I believe this announcement provides an opportunity for us to broaden the scope of the work now being done,� said Minister Byrne. �Following my meeting with Minister Mitchell, we claimed victory that we had rescued the research facility. Today, I believe we can reclaim that victory because this is positive news for agriculture science and research in this province and certainly positive news for our growing and diversifying agriculture industry.�

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

2005 06 23                                        4:45 p.m.
 


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