Growing Opportunities in Labrador

The Provincial Government is providing an $86,500 term loan to Patey’s Farm to construct a hydroponic greenhouse in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. The project aims to address market demand for high-quality, fresh produce on a year-round basis in the region.

“Throughout Newfoundland and Labrador ambitious entrepreneurs are turning market potential into viable business opportunities,” said the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development. “Recognizing the need in Labrador for a steady supply of fresh produce, the Patey’s farm is using innovative practices to meet the demands of a growing market. As a government, our role is to ensure the necessary programs and services are in place to help entrepreneurs, in all regions of the province, grow their ideas into blossoming businesses.”

Patey’s Farm is owned and operated by Lorne and Janet Patey who have been growing and selling vegetables from their privately-owned greenhouses in Happy Valley-Goose Bay for several years. Mr. Patey is the regional representative on the Young Farmers Association of Newfoundland and Labrador and both are members of the Lake Melville Agricultural Association.

“Growing fresh produce in Labrador has always been a struggle due to Labrador’s notoriously short growing season,” said Keith Russell, MHA for Lake Melville. “The people of Labrador have always had an innovative spirit in terms of finding solutions to the many struggles they face while residing in the Big Land. It is through the ingenuity of people like Lorne and Janet Patey that make the every day lives of Labradorians better.”

In addition to site preparation, the funding will be used to purchase and construct a 120 foot prefabricated greenhouse including coverings, lighting, hydroponics growing system and related supplies. The greenhouse is designed to grow 7,400 plants over a six-week period. The initial produce, forecasted for August 2012, will be lettuce with plans to expand into other products such as strawberries, peppers, tomatoes and other vegetables.

“This funding has been greatly appreciated and it has certainly given us the opportunity to continue with our plans to grow fresh vegetables all year round in Labrador,” said Janet Patey, Owner, Patey’s Farm. “It has been very challenging, but with the support of the Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Fund we feel confident that very soon our dream will become reality.”

Funding for this initiative was made available through the Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Fund, which is administered by the Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development. Budget 2012: People and Prosperity allocates $15.1 million for investment. The program provides financial resources for start-up, modernization, or growth of a business venture in key industry sectors including value-added manufacturing, information technology, aquaculture, bio-technology, marine services, agrifoods and tourism. Budget 2012 builds upon the achievements of the Northern Strategic Plan for Labrador, with over $158 million being invested, strengthening the social and economic future for all Labradorians.

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2012 07 04             1:55 p.m.