Natural Resources
June 20, 2014
Diversifying the Provincial Agriculture Industry
Provincial and Federal Governments Invest $340,000 in Greenhouse Expansion in Kelligrews
The Governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada today announced an investment of close to $340,000 towards the Hickey’s Greenhouses and Nursery Ltd. in Kelligrews. Now in its 36th year of operation, Hickey’s is celebrating the grand opening of a new, state-of-the-art, 12,000 square foot glass and poly-carbonate greenhouse this weekend that will more than double its production of bedding plants.
“Over the past few years, the greenhouse industry has seen substantial growth with total sales increasing from $6.2 million in 2008 to $9.1 million in 2012. Hickey’s Greenhouses and Nursery is to be commended for its innovative thinking to expand and enhance a business that for more than three decades has helped grow the agriculture sector in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
- The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency
The new greenhouse features an energy curtain that is expected to reduce energy costs by up to 40 percent, automatic watering and motorized ventilation systems to boost production, and a storefront area. The expansion was funded in part under Growing Forward 2’s Agriculture Innovation Initiative and Market Development Initiative.
“Our Government is proud to work with industry to help develop and implement innovative systems that improve productivity, competitiveness and efficiency. We will continue to work together to ensure that investments in priority areas benefit the entire sector.”
- Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz
Growing Forward 2, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative, is helping the agriculture and agrifoods industry become more innovative, competitive and sustainable.
“Hickey’s Greenhouses and Nursery Ltd. has been operating at its Kelligrews location for eight years and is a significant contributor to the local economy. I congratulate the company on its continued growth and ability to diversify to meet the needs of its customers.”
- The Honourable Terry French, Minister of Justice and MHA for Conception Bay South
The greenhouse industry includes growers that specialize in floriculture (flowers and plants) along with greenhouse vegetable growers.
“Our new greenhouse is another step toward achieving our goal of becoming a destination for gardeners and all people, both young and young at heart. We thank the community for its tremendous support and we look forward to our grand opening on Saturday. We welcome people to drop by from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.”
- Elaine Hickey, Hickey’s Greenhouses and Nursery Ltd.
The value of production from the agriculture and agrifoods industry, including secondary processing, is approximately $500 million per year.
QUICK FACTS
- The Governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada today announced an investment of close to $340,000 towards the Hickey’s Greenhouses and Nursery Ltd. in Kelligrews.
- Growing Forward 2 is a five-year policy framework for Canada's agriculture and agrifoods sector and the basis for the delivery of federal-provincial-territorial programs.
- Information on Growing Forward 2 is available at www.nr.gov.nl.ca/nr/funding/growingforward2/index.html
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| Media contacts: Diana Quinton Director of Communications Department of Natural Resources 709-729-5282, 631-8155 dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca |
Jeff English Director of Communications Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz 613-773-1059 |
| Barry Petten Executive Assistant to the Honourable Terry French 709-729-4410 BarryPetten@gov.nl.ca |
Media Relations Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Ottawa, Ontario 613-773-7972 1-866-345-7972 |
| Elaine Hickey Hickey’s Greenhouses and Nursery Ltd. 709-834-5525 709-227-4714 |