Natural Resources
Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
December 1, 2008

Province Invests in Fur Farm Operation for Comfort Cove

The Provincial Government is supporting the expansion of the province�s fur industry with a significant investment of $750,000 towards the establishment of a new mink farm for Comfort Cove, Notre Dame Bay.

Comfort Cove Farms will receive $500,000 under the province�s Agriculture and Agrifoods Development Fund (AADF) to cover up to 50 per cent of the eligible costs of establishing the new farm. The Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development is also contributing a $250,000-equity investment under the Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprise (SME) Fund.

"Our government supports Newfoundland and Labrador�s agriculture sector and the important work that people involved in this industry are doing to create growth and employment, especially in rural areas," said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency. "Our fur farming sector has great potential for further expansion beyond the $9 million in pelt sales projected for 2008 and the 320 people it currently employs."

"The fur industry holds great potential to create employment and wealth in our rural regions," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development.  "Through the SME Fund we are able to provide important capital to establish operations or for existing enterprises to target new opportunities. To date, approximately 80 per cent of our investment under this program targets rural-based businesses."

This is the fourth large-scale investment under the AADF program. High-quality cheese products and premium ice-cream are being produced and marketed in the province as a result of funding assistance under this program. These operations have resulted in increased employment and a significant increase in local industrial milk production. A modern new egg-grading facility on Roaches Line is helping to increase the industry�s competitiveness by producing high-quality eggs at a lower cost.

The Comfort Cove Farm was released from environmental assessment in June and the total project cost is estimated at $1.87 million. The farm is expected to be in operation by the end of the year.

"We are very excited about this venture and the support we have received from the Provincial Government," said John Head of Comfort Cove Farms Limited. "The construction phase of the ranch is now complete and we look forward to beginning operations later this month."

"I look forward to the positive contribution this operation will have on the local area," said Wade Verge, MHA for Lewisporte. "In addition to the direct employment being created, the operation will benefit local supply and service companies and will create another market for fish offal and other seafood by-products in the making of feed."

Requirements under the Environmental Assessment Act and the implementation by the operators of new environmental best management practices will result in the development and continued operation of the farm in an environmentally-responsible manner.  

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Media contacts:

Tracy Barron
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-729-5282, 690-8241
tracybarron@gov.nl.ca
Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
709-729-4570, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca 

2008 12 01                                                     3:50 p.m.
 


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