Natural Resources
November 27, 2014
The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources:
Agricultural Symposium Provides the Seed for Provincial Research Strategy
Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House today to highlight the agricultural research symposium: Our Food, Our Future: Research that Feeds Newfoundland and Labrador which was held recently in Corner Brook.
The symposium was organized by the Department of Natural Resources and Grenfell Campus, Memorial University, and brought together 120 farmers, educators, agricultural professionals and others interested in Newfoundland and Labrador agriculture. It was an opportunity for these groups to hear about current research, to network, and to identify gaps and opportunities in research.
The comments we received after the symposium certainly expressed the positive work being undertaken to grow this industry. Attendees said they were impressed with the event and by what is happening in the provincial industry. Organizers were told the information coming out of the symposium will “help move the industry forward” and that we “are leading in so many ways!”
The work accomplished at the symposium is helping the agriculture industry meet its potential. A provincial agriculture research strategy will be developed based on comments heard at the past two agricultural research symposia, as well as the strategic directions established by the Agricultural Research Advisory Committee. This committee comprises representatives from government, commodity boards, the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture, Agriculture and Agri-Foods Canada, Memorial University of Newfoundland and the Institute of Agrologists.
The value of production from the rapidly expanding agriculture industry is approximately $500 million per year. The industry is a significant economic generator, employing 6,500 people.
The Provincial Government is a strong supporter of Newfoundland and Labrador’s agriculture industry. We recently announced a new $7 million initiative with the Federal Government to further grow the cranberry industry in the province. Through Growing Forward 2, $6 million will be allocated for 95 projects in Newfoundland and Labrador during 2014.
Mr. Speaker, there is tremendous opportunity and interest in expanding research in agriculture and agrifoods. As stewards of this industry, the Provincial Government allocates $1 million annually to support agriculture research and development. Priorities identified by the industry are being addressed on such topics as grain production, crop diversification and soil improvement. We look forward to furthering the provincial agriculture research strategy, as well as other research and development efforts, in the months to come.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
2014 11 27 1:55 p.m.