Agrifoods and Garden Show Celebrates 11 Years and Bountiful Harvest

The annual celebration of the fall harvest will take place at the province�s largest Agrifoods and Garden Show at the Pepsi Centre in Corner Brook October 2-4, featuring fresh local produce from the region�s producers.

�Agricultural fairs are a much anticipated and long-standing tradition in the agricultural industry that brings together consumers and producers to celebrate the fruits of spring and summer labour,� said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources and the Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency. �I congratulate the Agrifoods and Garden Show for 11 successful years. These shows are invaluable in promoting the industry and providing a showcase for locally-produced goods.�

The Agrifoods and Garden Show attracts thousands of visitors who are eager to see what the agriculture and agrifoods industry has to offer. All the farmers participating in last year�s event are returning and all industry sectors will be represented. Visitors can purchase high-quality products harvested at west coast farms in Codroy Valley, the Humber Valley, Bay St. George and Bay of Islands.

This year, an expanded farmers� market with 14 exhibits will be one of the main attractions, along with a new cranberry exhibit that highlights the importance of that growing industry.

The popular petting farm and Veggie Bus are returning and 4,000 school children have received free passes to attend the show, compliments of the Department of Natural Resources and the Rotary Club of Corner Brook.

Visitors can view sea creatures at the touch tank provided by the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, and there will be demonstrations on food safety and preparation, and tips on growing vegetables.

The agriculture and agrifoods industry is a vitally-important industry to a healthy economy and healthy citizens. It is valued at $500 million annually and provides direct and indirect employment for 6,200 people, mainly in rural Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Media contact:
Tracy Barron
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-729-5282, 690-4701
tracybarron@gov.nl.ca 

BACKGROUNDER

• The 2009 Agrifoods and Garden Show creates a business opportunity for local farmers and an important avenue for agricultural awareness.

• The show encourages consumers to buy local products, and provides an agricultural educational opportunity for children and parents.

• Fourteen agricultural shows are held in Newfoundland and Labrador attracting 60,000 to 70,000 visitors a year. It�s estimated 700,000 people have viewed the shows during the past 10 years.

• Farms participating in the 2009 Agrifoods and Garden Show are located in Codroy Valley, Humber Valley, Bay St. George, and Bay of Islands.
   

2009 10 01                                                   11:25 a.m.