Farmers in Newfoundland and Labrador are continuing to expand storage capacity and improve food safety and quality through funding under the province�s annual $250,000 Fruit and Vegetable Storage Assistance Program.

"Often the productive capacity of a farm is limited by its ability to safely store its crop," said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources and the Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency. "This funding enables farmers to make enhancements to their storage capacity, which enables them to increase production, extend their marketing season and improve food quality and safety."

The Fruit and Vegetable Storage Assistance Program was established to meet a Blue Print commitment to invest $250,000 a year for four years � for a total of $1 million � to expand storage capacity. Although the $1-million goal was met last year, the Provincial Government is continuing its annual investment in this area.

The program enhances the economic viability of farmers by providing them with the means to expand, upgrade and construct fruit and vegetable storage facilities, which are vital components of many farming operations.

"This year�s program provided financial assistance to 20 producers across the province and has seen the construction of new storage areas and the expansion of existing storages, as well as a reduction in storage operating costs," said Minister Dunderdale. "Given the concern we all have over the security of our food supply, it is critical that we continue to make food safety improvements, from the installation of more efficient cooling systems and mechanized handling systems, to washable wall and floor surfaces, and even shatterproof bulbs."

Budget 2008 contains $11.2-million in new funding for the agriculture and agrifoods industry, bringing the total annual provincial investment to $32.8 million. The province�s agriculture and agrifoods industry has annual sales valued at $500 million.

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Media contact:

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