Province experiencing significant growth in corn production

Natural Resources Minister Kathy Dunderdale commented today on the success of a new technology being used in the agricultural sector to achieve the highest acreage of corn production in the province to date.

The Samco Integrated Crop System, introduced in the province in 2001, has assisted in 2,300 acres of corn being planted in this province this year. Photodegradable plastic mulch covers the planted area, creating a greenhouse effect which extends the province�s growing season.

All agricultural regions of the province have benefited immensely from this new growing technique especially in areas which are more susceptible to cooler temperatures. The system was introduced with the assistance of the provincial Department of Natural Resources and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and has resulted in a steady increase in corn yields in the province since 2001.

"The agriculture industry is experiencing an advanced level of growth previously not witnessed in our province�s history," said Minister Dunderdale. "Considering our unique climate, research and development is a key component to the growing agriculture industry. Government looks forward to a continued partnership with the Government of Canada in these areas through programs under the Agricultural Policy Framework and through facilities like the Atlantic Cool Climate Crop Research Centre. Such partnerships and research enable projects such as this one to reach their true potential and enhance the growth of our agricultural industry."

The Samco Integrated Crop System allows planting to occur about 30 days prior to the last spring frost. It is helping Newfoundland and Labrador dairy producers grow high yielding, high energy silage corn crops. Vegetable producers in the province have also benefited from this technique by utilizing it to grow sweet corn, a product that has become quite popular among the province�s consumers.

Silage corn is an important component in the province�s dairy industry as it decreases the dependency on importing grain from outside the province. Silage corn is also very high in energy, which is beneficial in the conditioning of both dairy and beef cattle. Healthy dairy cows produce high quality milk for the province.

Newfoundland and Labrador�s agriculture industry provides approximately 6,200 jobs in this province and has primary and value-added production worth over $500 million. It is an industry that is one of the key components in the province�s economy and helps in the growth and development of rural Newfoundland and Labrador.

Media contact: Derek Connolly, Communications, (709) 729-5777, 728-2837

The Samco Integrated Crop System was developed and manufactured in Limerick, Ireland by Sam Shine, CEO of Samco. It was first introduced to Newfoundland and Labrador in 2001. The province is the first area in North America to use the technology successfully.

The system uses a plastic mulch to cover seeds, which encourages rapid early growth and allows for early seeding dates. The technique allows farmers to plant earlier than the province�s climate normally allows. Seeds can go into the ground 30 days before the last spring frost. The system can increase corn plant population from 80,000 plants per hectare to 104,000 plants per hectare. The plastic is photodegradable and takes about six weeks to start breaking down.

2006 09 06                                      10:10 a.m.