Natural Resources
December 23, 2014
Investing In Our Renewable Resources
Agriculture Sector Diversifies and Puts Locally Grown Food on the Table
With support from the Provincial Government, the agriculture sector in Newfoundland and Labrador is diversifying and providing a variety of fresh, local produce at agriculture shows and fall harvest exhibitions, grocery stores and farmers markets across the province.
"Through continued government investment and support, the province's agriculture and agrifoods sector is rapidly diversifying. More than ever before consumers can purchase local products for themselves and their families. Farmers and producers are utilizing our programs to be creative and innovative in the products they offer. Almost all commodity groups recognize the opportunity to obtain a greater share of the local market or to expand into new markets."
- Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency
The province's agriculture and agrifoods sector employs 6,500 people and is valued at approximately $500 million per year. In 2014, the Provincial Government invested $6 million through the Growing Forward 2 Agreement for 130 projects including a state-of-the-art milk production system for Pure Holsteins Limited in Little Rapids and a new crop harvester for Lester's Farm Market Inc. in St. John's. Both investments are made with food sustainability in mind.
In 2014, the Provincial Government also supported the $2.55 million Agriculture and Agrifoods Development Fund and the $2.25 million Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program. Additionally, $1 million is allocated annually to support agriculture research and development.
In the forest sector the Provincial Government is positioned to identify and develop specific new products and market opportunities with the launch of Newfoundland and Labrador's Provincial Sustainable Forest Management Strategy in 2014.
"Our government is fully committed to managing the forest resource in a manner that will benefit Newfoundlanders and Labradorians for decades to come. The overwhelmingly positive response to the new Provincial Sustainable Forest Management Strategy demonstrated we are on the right track. We will continue to make the strategic investments required to further develop this sector."
- Minister Dalley
The province's forest sector employs 5,500 people through direct/indirect employment and is valued at $250 million annually.
QUICK FACTS
- The forestry, agriculture and agrifoods sectors continued to contribute substantially to the provincial economy in 2014.
- The province's forest sector employs 5,500 people through direct/indirect employment and is valued at $250 million annually.
- The agriculture and agrifoods sector employs 6,500 people and is valued at 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 12 23 11:30 a.m.