Government to review St. John�s Agriculture Development Area

Natural Resources Minister Kathy Dunderdale and Municipal Affairs Minister Jack Byrne announced today a review of the current boundaries of the St. John�s Urban Region Agriculture Development Area (the "Agriculture Zone") to ensure that only lands of agricultural importance are included in the Agriculture Zone.

Since the last review in 1993, there have been significant changes with both the agrifoods industry and the St. John�s urban region. The St. John�s region has experienced unprecedented growth in population and industrial services, primarily due to spin-offs from the oil and gas industry. Similarly, the agriculture industry has witnessed tremendous growth in large part due to the increased production of industrial milk (milk used in dairy products such as cheese and yogurt), food processing facilities such as Country Ribbon, silage corn production and landscape initiatives. Continued significant interest for agriculture and commercial development, coupled with heightened land use demands from both sectors, has prompted government to review this unique agricultural area.

"The agrifoods industry is a very integral component to the economy of the region and the province as a whole," said Minister Dunderdale. "As a result of increased demand for agricultural land in many areas of the province, in particular the St. John�s region, government has made significant commitments to the industry through its many initiatives such as the Land Consolidation Program, the Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program and the Agriculture and Agrifoods Development Fund. These initiatives will continue to provide province wide access to new opportunities, better enabling the highest potential for growth and land development in the agriculture industry, and rural Newfoundland and Labrador in particular."

"Today�s announcement is a major step in a timely review of agricultural properties on the Northeast Avalon," said Minister Jack Byrne. "This review will address the concerns from many communities around the region that argue such lands are prohibiting development and community enhancement. The task at hand is to organize agricultural properties in such a way that they remain viable for use, but do not prohibit important projects or developments that are in the best interest of municipalities and their residents," said Minister Byrne. Minister Byrne also noted that the agricultural development area review is a welcomed complement to his department�s review of regional plans around the island, specifically the Northeast Avalon Regional Plan.

To put our province�s agriculture industry in perspective, it is presently valued at $500 million annually and provides direct and indirect employment for approximately 6,200 people. In 2005, Newfoundland and Labrador, together with Saskatchewan, led the country in farm cash receipts' growth at 5.8 percent.

The review will facilitate efforts to sustain existing farmland initiatives as well provide solutions to overcome land-related barriers to farming and urban development, while we continue with the effective delivery of agricultural programs and services. This review will be an open and transparent process, with full provision for participation by all stakeholders. Government recognizes the magnitude and importance of this complex initiative, and expects it will take approximately two years to complete. Further details will be provided in the coming months.

Media contact:

Derek Connolly, Department of Natural Resources Communications (709) 729-5777 or 728-2837

John Tompkins, Department of Municipal Affairs Communications (709) 729-1983 690-2498 or jtompkins@gov.nl.ca

2006 08 23       4:30 p.m.