In recognition of the potential for growth in the fur farming industry, the Provincial Government is embarking on a comprehensive jurisdictional review of best practices to ensure the continued and responsible growth of the industry.

"We intend to implement the very latest and best international fur farming practices to ensure a mutually-agreeable co-existence between our fur farmers and their neighbours," said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources. "We want to reassure our valued fur farmers that we will continue to work with them to find the best way to grow this industry so their operations succeed and contribute positively to the economy and communities in which they operate."

Government officials are in discussions with Dalhousie University, which has experts in environmental assessment issues in their faculty. The university will research the experience of other jurisdictions and provide the province with best practices in growing this important industry.

"By having access to information on the challenges and successes of fur farms and their neighbours in other jurisdictions, we will help ensure the practices here are among the most advanced in the world," the minister said. "Our fur farmers have experienced tremendous success in recent years, particularly with mink. Fur farming has the potential to become a significant employer and economic contributor. We want to ensure this growth is managed in a way that addresses and mitigates the issues which can be associated with these operations, including reducing the presence of odours and flies."

Mink pelt production has increased from a few thousand a year to 160,000 pelts valued at roughly $10 million this year. There are approximately 30 fur farms in the province, most of which are producing mink. This industry employs approximately 100 people full time and 300 on part-time basis across the province.

Newfoundland and Labrador fur farmers have invested significant amounts of capital to bring the industry to where it is today. The success of the industry is also providing spin-off benefits, including the creation of new markets related to the supplying of feed stock.

The province does have existing regulations around farm practices which are very clear and responsible. For example, the amount of buffer land or separation zone between Newfoundland and Labrador fur farms and neighbouring lands is equivalent to, or greater than, amounts regulated in other provinces. This fact-finding mission of best practices in the industry will build upon and complement our current regulations.

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Media contact:
Tracy Barron
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-729-5282, 690-1703
TracyBarron@gov.nl.ca

2006 12 04                                                     10:15 a.m.