April 16, 2014
The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources:
Provincial Government Continues to Support Growing Agriculture and Agrifoods Industry
Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise in this Honourable House today to highlight the success of Newfoundland and Labrador’s agriculture and agrifoods industry.
This industry is one of the fastest growing in our province and is continuously developing and diversifying. The value of production from the agriculture and agrifoods industry, including the secondary processing of dairy products such as ice cream and milk, is approximately $500 million per year.
The agriculture industry generates employment for 6,500 people in rural communities of Newfoundland and Labrador. It puts food on our tables and fresh produce on shelves. Historically, agriculture is as much a part of Newfoundland and Labrador as the forest and fishing industries, dating back to the time when families grew the bulk of their own food.
Today, our province is home to the largest poultry broiler operation in Canada and one of the largest dairy operations in Canada. We are self-sufficient in dairy and chicken, and we export significant amounts of eggs and fur. We recognize the tremendous opportunities as we continue to develop the potential of our fresh fruit, vegetable and processing sectors.
Mr. Speaker, the Provincial Government, through Budget 2014, is committed to supporting responsible resource management and development with strategic investments in the province’s agriculture and agrifoods industry. We have a suite of programs available to assist the industry from start up to production, and we have helped hundreds of farmers and producers.
The Provincial Government has committed more than $12 million to further grow the industry, for programs such as Growing Forward 2 and the Agriculture and Agrifoods Development Fund, which will foster innovation, competitiveness and adaptability, as well as help farmers develop new markets and industry capacity.
Under the Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program we are improving industry competitiveness. Our Land Consolidation Program provides an opportunity for non-farm landowners and retiring farmers to sell granted land to the Provincial Government making that land available for new farm initiatives.
Our Agriculture Research Initiative funds many projects that enhance sustainability in the industry. In 2013, for example, one forward thinking initiative took a creative approach to growing winter wheat on the west coast of the province. The goal is to offset the cost of production for the dairy and poultry industries. Also, through our Agricultural Limestone Program, farmers can purchase limestone at a reasonable cost.
By continuing to support our farmers and producers, our government is encouraging the further development of the agriculture and agrifoods industry.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
2014 04 16 3:50 p.m.