Conference Assists in Growing Horticulture Industry

Horticulture producers in the province are meeting with industry experts in Gander this week during a two-day conference designed to assist them to grow their businesses.

The meeting, Horticulture: Planning Today � Growing Tomorrow, focuses on industry opportunities, research and development initiatives and new marketing trends. The conference is being offered through the Newfoundland and Labrador Horticulture Producers Council, with funding provided by the Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador under the Growing Forward Agreement.

�Horticulture farmers can continue to thrive by learning about new and innovative ways to boost their business,� said federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. �From Growing Forward to Canada�s Economic Action Plan, our government is putting farmers first and making smart investments to strengthen the Canadian horticulture industry and help them continue to put their top quality products in our grocery stores.�

�It is important for horticulture producers to have a forum to increase their knowledge and skills and learn from each other as to how best to deal with industry challenges and pursue market opportunities,� said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency. �These events help producers better manage their operations and address their own individual concerns.�

Funding of $24,000 for the conference was provided on a 60/40 cost-shared basis under the Canada-Newfoundland Growing Forward Agreement: Agriculture Opportunities Program. Industry participants include growers of fruit, vegetables, seed potato, blueberries, Christmas trees, organics and cranberries within the province.

The Provincial Government also provided an additional $14,700 to assist in the organization and delivery of the workshop, including professional fees and travel costs for presenters.

�This is an excellent opportunity for all producers across the province to get together for networking and information sharing with associates and other stakeholders in our industry,� said Melvin Rideout, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Horticulture Producers Council. �In addition, our impressive list of guest speakers promises to deliver great insight and best practices for our consideration.�

The Newfoundland and Labrador agriculture and agrifoods industry consists of 558 farms and over 100 food and beverage manufacturers. The horticulture industry in 2008 was valued at $7.6 million for fruit and vegetable production.

The Growing Forward Agreement signed by provincial and federal 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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2010 03 18                                                   11:40 a.m.