Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
Natural Resources
January 20, 2015
Supporting Farming Through Sound Investments
Egg Farmers of Newfoundland and Labrador Receive $50,000 in Support of Market Development
The Province of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Government of Canada are providing $50,000 to the Egg Farmers of Newfoundland and Labrador, supporting the organization's ability to take advantage of emerging industry opportunities. Funding will be used to conduct an industry study exploring potential sector growth, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the competitive position of the province's egg farmers.
"Egg farming in Newfoundland and Labrador is an integral part of our food production system and an essential economic driver in the communities in which egg farms operate. Most people don't know that over 9.5 million dozen eggs are produced annually, allowing the province to be self-sufficient in table egg market production. Through our government's strategic investment of $50,000, I am pleased that the Egg Farmers of Newfoundland and Labrador will be able to use the information they gather from their upcoming study to generate solutions that will improve egg farming competitiveness in Newfoundland and Labrador."
- The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
There are seven egg farms located throughout the province and one grading station.
Currently feed is the largest component cost for egg production in Newfoundland and Labrador. An up-to-date feasibility study is essential to determine the current state of the industry's feed supply, including price, sourcing and demand.
"Egg production is a very important component of Newfoundland and Labrador's agricultural industry. Eggs are the fourth largest agricultural product produced in this province and contribute greatly to the economic impact of the industry overall. The Growing Forward 2 program is also having a significant impact on the agriculture and agrifoods industry and we commend organizations like the Egg Farmers of Newfoundland and Labrador for availing of the funding to help the sector overall."
- The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency
Funding of $25,000 is being provided through the Provincial Government's Regional Development Fund, which is administered by the Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development, and $25,000 through the Growing Forward 2 Program, a federal/provincial initiative. The results of the study will provide significant information to egg farmers on layer feed costs and will generate solutions to improve egg farming competitiveness for provincial producers.
"The egg industry is an important contributor to the economy of Newfoundland and Labrador and throughout Canada. The investment will help increase the competitiveness and sustainability of the poultry sector by finding efficiencies in feed supply and reducing the cost of production."
- Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz
Formerly known as Egg Producers of Newfoundland and Labrador, Egg Farmers of Newfoundland and Labrador (EFNL), is a non-profit organization that was formed in 1970 to govern provincial egg production.
"Consumers appreciate the importance of a competitive and local supply of nutritious foods, especially a food staple like eggs. While exceeding important food safety requirements, our registered Newfoundland and Labrador farmers are excited to find new ways to become more efficient in their feed requirements, which I am confident will also benefit local consumers and other agriculture sectors in our region.
- Ken Bruce, Executive Director, Egg Farmers of Newfoundland and Labrador
For more information on the Egg Farmers of Newfoundland and Labrador, visit: www.nleggs.ca. 
QUICK FACTS
- The Egg Farmers of Newfoundland and Labrador will receive $50,000 from the Provincial and Federal Governments which will support the organization's efforts to take advantage of emerging industry opportunities.
- $25,000 in funding is being provided through the Provincial Government's Regional Development Fund and $25,000 through the Growing Forward 2 Program, a federal/provincial initiative.
- Regional Development Fund information can be found at: //www.ibrd.gov.nl.ca/programs/RDF.html. Information on the Growing Forward 2 Program can be found at: //www.nr.gov.nl.ca/nr/funding/growingforward2/index.html
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Media contacts:
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Tansy Mundon
Director of Communications Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 693-1865 tansymundon@gov.nl.ca |
Diana Quinton
Director of Communications Department of Natural Resources 709-729-5282, 631-8155 dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca |
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Diana Quinton
Director of Communications Department of Natural Resources 709-729-5282, 631-8155 dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca |
Emily Hogeveen
Press Secretary Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz 613-773-1059 |
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Media Relations Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Ottawa, ON 613-773-7972 1-866-345-7972 Follow on Twitter: @AAFC_Canada |
2015 01 20 1:15 p.m.