August 7, 2014
Promoting a Research-based Agriculture Industry
Farm Field Day Invites Residents to Explore Growing Sector
The Department of Natural Resources is encouraging residents to participate in Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s annual Farm Field Day on Saturday, August 9. The event will take place in St. John’s at the Atlantic Cool Climate Crop Research Centre on Brookfield Road from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
“Over the past three years, the Provincial Government has invested $5.8 million in projects designed to sustain the agriculture industry. Farm Field Day, now in its 56th year, attracts between 5,000 to 6,000 visitors annually. This is a great opportunity for people to learn more about the research involved in growing this industry as well as the benefits of research to farmers, producers and consumers.”
- The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency
Farm Field Day offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. Highlights include:
- A hay ride through research plots to see corn grown under plastic, research on buckwheat as an ecologically-friendly pesticide, underground drainage systems and cereal research trials;
- A barbecue sponsored by the Chicken Famers of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Dairy Farmers of Newfoundland and Labrador;
- Events for children in the Agriculture in the Classroom activities tent; and
- 4-H calf showmanship and cattle show with participants competing for Best in Class and Grand Champion titles.
Partners in the event include the Provincial Government, farm organizations such as the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture, 4-H, Chicken Farmers of Newfoundland and Labrador and Dairy Farmers of Newfoundland and Labrador.
The province’s agriculture and agrifoods industry provides direct and indirect employment for approximately 6,500 men and women in communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. The industry has annual farm gate revenues totalling upwards of $150 million. The value of the agrifoods processing sector (including food and beverage manufacturers) has reached nearly $500 million per year.
QUICK FACTS
- Over the past three years, the Provincial Government has invested $5.8 million through the Agriculture Research Initiative to fund projects designed to sustain the agriculture industry.
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s annual Farm Field Day will be held on Saturday, August 9, in St. John’s at the Atlantic Cool Climate Crop Research Centre on Brookfield Road from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
- This is the 56th annual Farm Field Day. The event attracts 5,000 to 6,000 visitors annually.
- Admission is free. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy a hay ride and sample barbequed chicken. There will be activities for children and various events including a calf showmanship and cattle show.
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Media contact:
Diana Quinton
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-729-5282
dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca
2014 08 07 12:10 p.m.