October is Agriculture Awareness Month

October is Agriculture Awareness Month and Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are encouraged to support the province�s industry by buying local and learning more about the produce grown in their communities.

�We should all be cognizant that many of the products we eat are available locally and we should make an effort to support our producers,� said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources. �Our local industry is growing and diversifying, providing meaningful jobs in rural communities across Newfoundland and Labrador and making a significant contribution to the economy.�

The agriculture industry plays an important role in the daily lives of everyone in the province, making Agriculture Awareness Month a fitting time to reflect on the true value of the sector.

�Our industry provides direct and indirect employment for more than 6,200 people and has sales of more than $500 million a year,� the minister said. �We are investing in a growing industry with significant opportunities for diversification and future prosperity. It�s important that we continue to make these kinds of investments in our rural communities, which is why we spent over $8 million this year to bring the industry to the next stage of commercial development.�

Newfoundland and Labrador lead the country in agricultural growth in 2005. Government is working with industry to assist them in overcoming barriers to continued growth and development, as well as growing the value-added side of the industry.

The Department of Natural Resources is involved in several exciting initiatives to grow and diversify the industry. Research is being done to reduce dependence on imported feeds, such as an innovative plastic mulching system for corn production that creates a greenhouse effect, extending the province�s growing season. Innovative work is also being done on a variety of products, including cranberries, sweet corn and yogurts. The province�s agrifoods industry includes 640 farms and 100 manufacturers.

Media contact:
Tracy Barron
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-729-5282, 690-1703

2006 10 18                                         2:25 p.m.