Natural Resources
December 3, 2008

Program Supports Growing Agrifoods Industry

The Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program (PAAP) is supporting 195 producers this year with projects related to land development, equipment purchases, feeding and watering systems, manure management and other eligible improvements and purchases.

"We invest $2-million annually in this program to assist producers achieve efficiencies on their farms and expand their operations, which results in increased profitability, job creation and a productive and viable provincial industry," said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency. "This year, funding priority was given to land development projects to ensure the industry has access to sufficient land base for proper crop rotation, nutrient management and forage self sustainability."

The annual program funds activities to improve the viability and competitiveness of the industry and to promote the growth and commercialization of the sector. Producers can apply for funding under the program to assist with farm infrastructure needs, implementation of new technology, environmental stewardship, secondary processing and value-added activities.

"Funding has been approved this year for projects in all sectors of the industry, including dairy, fur, fruit and vegetable, sod, horticulture and greenhouses," said Minister Dunderdale. "Our investment will benefit the entire province through access to fresh, locally-produced food, increased economic spin-offs and the creation of new jobs."

Budget 2008 contains $11.2 million in new funding for the agriculture and agrifoods industry, bringing the total annual investment to $32.8 million. The province�s agriculture and agrifoods industry has annual sales valued at $500 million and provides direct and indirect employment in rural areas of the province.

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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 12 03                                                   11:45 a.m.
 


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