Natural Resources
June 5, 2008

Government Details Commitment to Fur Farming Industry

The Provincial Government is demonstrating its commitment to the development of the province�s fur industry with a $5.4-million Aleutian Disease (AD) Management Program and the continued research and development of best management practices for fur farms.

"Since the discovery of AD on our commercial farms last year, government has worked closely with our fur producers on a plan to manage this disease and now we are investing in its implementation," said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency. "We have also done significant work in the past year to identify best management practices for fur farms. Continued collaborative work in these two areas demonstrates our commitment to the continued development of this industry, which is providing employment throughout rural Newfoundland and Labrador."

The $5.4-million for the Aleutian Disease Management Program will help mink farmers to manage and guard against AD. Mink farmers will be able to access the funding for the implementation of enhanced biosecurity measures on farms, carcass disposal, disinfection and replacement of diseased animals, subject to approval of the farmer�s AD management plan.

"This initiative is another example of our government�s commitment to the agrifoods industry and our overall support of a healthy rural economy," Minster Dunderdale said. "Government committed to developing an AD support program to help all farms guard against and manage AD, not just those already infected with the disease. This program delivers that kind of industry-wide support. This funding will assist infected farms in eradicating the disease and help non-infected farms to strengthen biosecurity measures."

Producers and industry have two years to access funding under the program to ensure they have sufficient time to meet program criteria for permits and written biosecurity plans. The program will provide funding of 75 per cent of eligible costs, up to a maximum amount of $200,000 per farm, with industry putting in the remaining 25 per cent.

The province�s fur breeders� association is pleased with the Provincial Government�s commitment in Budget 2008 for an Aleutian Disease Management Program and its continued support in developing the industry.

"This considerable financial commitment will help our industry put the proper biosecurity measures in place needed to control the further spread of the Aleutian virus," said Catherine Moores, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Fur Breeders� Association. "It will also provide assistance with management, disinfection and restocking of farms already infected with Aleutian disease. As fur producers, we have worked closely with government on this plan and best management practices that are practical for our industry and meet environmental and public concerns."

The environmental best management practices for fur farming were developed by the Agrifoods Development Branch in consultation with the Provincial Fur Committee, which consists of representatives from industry and other Provincial Government departments. The best management practices provide details to improve farm management and include site planning, odour and fly control and manure management. These best practices are reaffirmed in a recent report commissioned by the department, A Review of Waste Management Options for Fur Farming. The report can be found at //www.nr.gov.nl.ca/agric/

"We are doing our own studies and research into this area and this recent report is another tool we are using as we move this industry forward," Minister Dunderdale said. "We are working with farmers on approaches to address specific issues and standards so this industry can exist harmoniously with their neighbours. All fur farms must register their proposals under the Environmental Assessment Act, which provides for a thorough public assessment of new developments. This requirement, combined with the environmental best management practices, has resulted in a more controlled development of the industry."

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Media contact:
Tracy Barron
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-729-5282, 690-8241
tracybarron@gov.nl.ca

2008 06 05                                                     10:15 a.m.

 


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