I rise today to inform the House of an important event in the calendar for our agriculture industry � one that highlights the importance of developing and supporting initiatives to help our farmers get the most out of their soil.

The event is the National Soil Conservation Week.

Every year my department, along with our farmers and their community of supporters, dedicate extra time and effort to highlight the importance of healthy soil to provide fresh local products. Conserving soil means enhancing it and protecting it through effective programs and by sharing knowledge and best practices about soil management. Through these efforts, we are helping our farmers expand this industry and make more locally-grown farm products available to consumers.

This government knows that agriculture is very important to this province economically, socially and for the health of our residents. In many parts of the province, our soils are very acidic and limestone plays a key role in balancing that acidity. This government has significantly increased funding in our Limestone Program to help more farmers access limestone and improve soil productivity.

My department also operates the Soil, Plant and Feed Laboratory where our expert staff provide soil analysis and advice to farmers. Our staff also provide soil mapping services to identify areas most suitable for land development, as well as advice on land clearing techniques and topsoil conservation methods.

Soil Conservation Week is a great opportunity for the people of the province to see what�s happening in agriculture. The Forestry and Agrifoods Agency is participating in a three-day Forestry Fair at the Pepsi Centre in Corner Brook this weekend, from April 25 to the 27. We will have booths providing information on soil conservation and related programs and services. I�m looking forward to attending the fair and encourage my colleagues to drop by as well.

A healthy and safe food supply is more than an industry � it is a key to self-sufficiency. This government is working with our agriculture partners to ensure this renewable resource can nourish and sustain the people of Newfoundland and Labrador today and into the future.

2008 04 23                                                     2:25 p.m.