Natural Resources
February 6, 2014

Encouraging the Development of Innovative Industries

Conference Explores New Technologies to Expand Greenhouse Sector

The Provincial Government and the Newfoundland and Labrador Horticulture Producers Council will host the Greenhouse Production Conference in Corner Brook February 12 to 13 for greenhouse growers specializing in floriculture (flowers and plants) and greenhouse vegetable growers.

“This conference is an opportunity to recognize the greenhouse sector as an industry with potential for growth. The floriculture sector continues to thrive with increased interest in improving and beautifying homes and properties. The greenhouse vegetable sector is also seeing considerable interest as the demand for locally-grown produce strengthens.”
- The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency

Conference participants will explore new and current practices and technologies, network with industry experts, and attend sessions on greenhouse operations, water management, alternative heat sources, new technologies, season extenders, and marketing.

Funding for the conference is provided through the Department of Natural Resources Agrifoods Development Branch ($8,000), and Growing Forward 2 ($11,500) which is a federal-provincial-territorial initiative that will provide $37 million over five years to Newfoundland and Labrador’s agriculture and agrifoods industry.

Through sound fiscal management and responsible decisions, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is strengthening the business environment, encouraging the development of innovative industries and building a vibrant economy.

QUICK FACTS

• The Greenhouse Production Conference will be held in Corner Brook February 12 to 13 for greenhouse growers specializing in floriculture (flowers and plants) and greenhouse vegetable growers.
• The greenhouse sector has substantially grown in the past few years with total greenhouse sales increasing from $6.2 million in 2008 to $9.1 million in 2012.
• The Newfoundland and Labrador Horticulture Producers Council is a non-profit organization mandated to lobby, inform, lead and support the province’s fruit, vegetable, Christmas tree, organic, cranberry, greenhouse and landscape producing and processing industries.
• The local agriculture and agrifoods industry is continually developing and diversifying with annual revenues totaling upwards of $130 million. The value of production from the agriculture and agrifoods industry, including secondary processing, is approximately $500 million per year.

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Media contact:
Diana Quinton
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-729-5282, 631-8155
dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca    

2014 02 06             11:10 a.m.