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Natural Resources March14, 2007 Water Program to Benefit Newfoundland and Labrador Farmers Farmers in Newfoundland and Labrador looking to develop water supplies or enhance and protect existing water sources are reminded and encouraged to apply for assistance under the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Water Supply Expansion Program. Under the program, farmers can receive technical and financial assistance for three types of water projects: Tier One - individual on-farm water projects; Tier Two - multi-user water infrastructure; and Tier Three - strategic initiatives and studies to benefit larger areas and groups of users." Regardless of the type of agricultural business they operate, producers all have one thing in common - the need for a reliable water supply," said the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and the Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board. "This program is providing the agriculture community with financial and technical assistance to help access the resources needed to strengthen and enhance the agricultural sector."Through the program, the federal government is investing $700,000 towards agricultural water supplies in Newfoundland and Labrador, with the provincial government contributing $50,000. "We are confident this program will provide the support required by agricultural producers in the province to gain access to a safe and reliable supply of water for their farms. We have already received several proposals from producers under the program," said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources. "The support provided through this program is important to complement new growth and expansion initiatives that will ensure sustainable farm operations throughout Newfoundland and Labrador." Eligible applicants include individual and/or incorporated groups of farmers, conservation groups, rural communities and municipalities, agri-businesses and rural enterprises and educational institutions. Projects deemed eligible for assistance must incorporate a water supply component and be used for commercial agricultural production. The Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Water Supply Expansion Program is administered under the National Water Supply Expansion Program, which ends on March 31, 2008. For additional program information or to obtain an application form, please contact: the provincial Department of Natural Resources, Land Resource Stewardship Division, at 709-637-2081, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada at 709-772-4063, or visit the program website at www.agr.gc.ca/h2o. - 30 - Media contacts:
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