Natural Resources
March 30, 2010Farmers Focus on
Supplying Province's Food Requirements
Farmers are meeting in Gander this week to discuss
how the industry can best deliver on the expectations of
consumers for a sustainable, safe, reliable supply of
local food products for their tables, as well as a
varied and affordable selection.
The two-day meeting, Agriculture—2010 and Beyond,
is being offered through the Newfoundland and Labrador
Federation of Agriculture with funding from the Federal
and Provincial Governments under the cost-shared Growing
Forward Agreement.
"Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador have a
reputation for food safety and quality that opens doors
for us around the world," said Federal Agriculture
Minister Gerry Ritz. "It's a reputation that's been
earned and it's one that will be maintained as long as
we continue to make it a top priority at meetings like
this."
"Our agriculture industry is a significant
contributor to many rural communities in our province
and it is also plays a crucial role in supplying
consumers of this province with healthy food choices,"
said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of
Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the
Forestry and Agrifoods Agency. "Our department focuses
on ensuring food safety, food security and promoting
local products by working closely with our industry and
local producers to meet consumers' expectations."
Funding of $7,000 was provided to the Newfoundland
and Labrador Federation of Agriculture under the Growing
Forward: Agriculture Opportunities Program to hold the
conference. Industry participants include chicken, egg,
beef, sheep, pork, dairy, fur, berry and vegetable
farmers in the province.
"The agriculture sector comes together every year at
the federation's annual general meeting to discuss
current industry trends and our future opportunities,"
said Eugene Legge, President of the Newfoundland and
Labrador Federation of Agriculture. "This year we are
focusing on provincial and national food security and
the impact this emerging issue will have on our
industry. The venue provides great opportunities for
networking and knowledge exchange between commodity
organizations, government and farmers."
The Newfoundland and Labrador agriculture and
agrifoods industry consists of 558 farms and over 100
food and beverage manufacturers. The agriculture and
agrifoods industry is valued at over $500 million.
The Growing Forward Agreement signed by Federal and
Provincial Governments in 2009 allocates $29.58 million
to the Newfoundland and Labrador agriculture and
agrifoods industry over a five-year period.
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