Stephenville to host Agrifood and Garden Show this weekend

Natural Resources Minister Ed Byrne announced today that the annual Agrifood and Garden Show will take place this weekend, May 5-7, at the Stephenville Dome in Stephenville. Minister Byrne will officially open the show at 7 p.m. Friday.

The Agrifood and Garden Show showcases the province�s agriculture and agrifoods industry by giving people a glimpse of life on the farm and raising awareness of the diversity and quality of local produce. The Agrifood and Garden Show is being held in Stephenville for the first time and will this year recognize the agriculture industry in the Bay St. George, Port au Port Peninsula and Codroy Valley areas of the province.

"This is a perfect opportunity to jumpstart an important season for our farmers and to promote awareness of, and pride in, the products people can buy locally," Minister Byrne said. "It�s a chance for farmers and companies to showcase their products, services and expertise and a chance for consumers to learn about the industry in a fun, exciting way that appeals to the whole family. It�s also a great opportunity to kickoff spring."

Minister Byrne said the Department of Natural Resources is proud to be the major sponsor and organizer of the show, which attracts 4,500 visitors every year. The event received $15,000 in funding through the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Agricultural Policy Framework.

All sectors of the province�s industry are featured in the exhibits, demonstrations and seminars covering everything from tips for growing vegetables and composting, to food preparation safety � each presented by industry professionals. Between 35 and 40 exhibitors are participating in the show this year.

The show was established in 1998 to promote the provincial industry and show people where their food comes from. A large part of the annual event is educating the public � children and their parents. Free passes have been distributed to school children from Stephenville to the Port aux Basques area, compliments of the department, Eggs, Chicken and Dairy Producers of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Newfoundland and Labrador School Milk Foundation.

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.

"Last year our agriculture and agrifoods sector experienced the strongest growth of any province in the country and there is tremendous opportunity to grow the industry even further," Minster Byrne said. "That�s why we, as a province, are investing $6 million in new funding this year to help bring the agriculture and agrifoods industry to the next level of commercial development."

In the provincial budget, government created a new $4 million Agriculture and Agrifoods Development Fund to support large-scale agriculture and agrifoods projects throughout the province. This fund will target major agriculture and agrifoods companies with a demonstrated track record in business and the capacity to raise private investment. The fund will be used to leverage partnerships for major expansion projects or help establish new lines of business.

Media contact: Tracy Barron, Communications (709) 729-5282, 690-1703

2006 05 04                                    10:55 a.m.