Local Agriculture Industry Continues to Benefit from Further
Investments in Growing Forward

The Newfoundland and Labrador agriculture industry continues to benefit from Growing Forward program funding. To date in 2011, the federal and provincial governments have invested close to $5 million in 88 projects which focus on improving agriculture in the province.

“The agriculture industry is an essential and innovative part of Canada’s economy and our world-class farmers and processors are responsible for its success,” said Federal Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Peter Penashue on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. “Growing Forward programs are flexible and responsive to industry needs and our government is proud of our continued partnership with the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador in building a strong and competitive sector.”

“Our agriculture sector is continuing to grow and benefit from the federal, provincial and industry partnership as reflected in the Growing Forward agreement,” said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. “Projects funded under the initiative encourage innovation, enhance infrastructure, and improve the agricultural land base to ensure our farms are competitive. The agriculture sector recognizes the importance of providing consumers with high quality, safe and environmentally-sustainable products, and we are pleased to support initiatives which strengthen the agriculture industry in the province.”

Growing Forward is a federal-provincial-territorial initiative that supports the development of the agriculture sector. This is the fourth year of a five year agreement that will see the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador invest more than $11 million, and the Government of Canada invest more than $17 million in the province’s agriculture industry.

The Growing Forward programs were created with the input of farmers, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of Newfoundland and Labrador’s agriculture industry. Some of the projects funded include measures to increase environmental stewardship, enhance animal welfare, ensure food safety and encourage market development.

The Newfoundland and Labrador agriculture and agrifoods industry continues to grow and currently consists of over 500 farms and approximately 100 food and beverage manufacturers. The Growing Forward agreement has leveraged a significant industry investment that supports continued growth, with sales reaching approximately $112 million annually.

For more information on Growing Forward programs please visit: www.gov.nl.ca/nr/funding/growingforward 

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BACKGROUNDER
Growing Forward Programs

Producers, processors and agricultural organizations benefit from Growing Forward funding through six programs designed specifically to address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by the Newfoundland and Labrador agriculture and agrifoods sector.

Agriculture Innovation Program
The Agriculture Innovation Program provides financial assistance to enhance the competitiveness, profitability, and innovative capacity of the Newfoundland and Labrador agriculture industry. Investments were made in innovation, diversification and secondary processing activities. For 2011, funding totalling $1,430,470 has been approved under the Agriculture Innovation Program.

Agriculture Land Development Program
The Agriculture Land Development Program maximizes the productivity and availability of agricultural land within Newfoundland and Labrador. Investments were made in land development activities to promote proper crop rotation practices, increase feed efficiency on farms, and enhance agricultural nutrient and manure management. For 2011, funding totalling $871,192 has been approved under the Agriculture Land Development Program.

Agriculture Opportunities Program
The Agriculture Opportunities Program provides financial assistance for business and marketing opportunities, and enhances human resource development within the Newfoundland and Labrador agriculture industry. Investments were made in business development, human resource development and market planning activities. For 2011, funding totalling $1,030,072 has been approved under the Agriculture Opportunities Program.

Agriculture Sustainability Program
The Agriculture Sustainability Program supports food safety initiatives as well as enhanced environmentally-sustainable practices in the Newfoundland and Labrador agriculture industry. Eligible activities include, but are not limited to, environmental farm planning, development of on-farm and regional environmental farm plans; plans to improve the environmental performance of farm operations; integrated pest management training and initiatives and provision of environmental farm planning advisory services and training by the Department of Natural Resources. For 2011, funding totalling $812,152 has been approved under the Agriculture Sustainability Program.

New Farm Investment Program
The New Farm Investment Program addresses the unique challenges faced by beginning farmers in the Newfoundland and Labrador agriculture industry by supporting the establishment of new farm businesses, promoting farm succession, and enhancing the competitiveness and profitability of new farms. For 2011, funding totalling $47,320 has been approved under the New Farm Investment Program.

Mitigating Agriculture Risks Program
The Mitigating Agriculture Risks Program enables the agriculture industry to mitigate risks pertaining to the environment, food safety, wildlife, plant and animal health, and biosecurity threats. For 2011, funding totalling $664,054 has been approved under the Mitigating Agriculture Risks Program.

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