Fisheries and Aquaculture
July 10, 2015
Investing in Agriculture Research and Animal Health
New Laboratory Enhances Ability to Identify Foreign Animal Diseases
A $3.9 million modern facility that significantly improves Newfoundland and Labrador’s ability to identify and respond to foreign animal diseases was officially opened by the Honourable Vaughn Granter, Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency, this afternoon. Minister Granter was joined by John Dinn, MHA for Kilbride, and the province’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Hugh Whitney.
“The Foreign Animal Disease Laboratory Complex enhances our ability to monitor, regulate and control foreign animal diseases, before they impact the agriculture industry, and to respond quickly in the event of a disease outbreak. It enhances testing for diseases of provincial concern such as rabies, and avian influenza and demonstrates the Provincial Government’s commitment to improved food security and public and animal health. The facility also increases our capacity to work with academic institutions to study significant animal diseases.”
- The Honourable Vaughn Granter, Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency
The new Foreign Animal Disease Laboratory Complex, which is co-located with the Provincial Agriculture Building in St. John’s, includes a molecular diagnostics laboratory, rabies laboratory, necropsy room and incinerator. It was funded through the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Agriculture AgriFlexibility Agreement with the Provincial Government investing $2.9 million and the Federal Government providing $1 million.
“Our government is committed to investments in projects like this that provide frontline protection to the agriculture industry and consumers, by increasing our ability to detect, monitor and control the spread of foreign animal diseases. We are proud to partner with Newfoundland and Labrador in research and development that strengthens and increases the competitiveness of the agriculture industry.”
- Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz
The Newfoundland and Labrador agriculture industry generates direct and indirect employment for approximately 6,500 people. Together with agrifoods production, the industry is valued at approximately $500 million per year.
“This new modern facility will benefit producers, farmers, livestock owners and residents from all over the province. As the MHA for a district with a large agriculture presence, I can speak first-hand to the value of the industry and I am pleased this new facility will be here to serve this growing sector for many years to come.”
- John Dinn, MHA for Kilbride
Through Budget 2015, the Provincial Government will provide close to $12 million through Growing Forward 2, the Agriculture and Agrifoods Development Fund, Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program, Land Consolidation Program, Agriculture Research and Development Program, and the Agricultural Limestone Program.
QUICK FACTS:
- The $3.9 million Foreign Animal Disease Laboratory Complex was officially opened next to the Provincial Agriculture Building in St. John’s this afternoon by the Honourable Vaughn Granter, Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency.
- The new, modern facility significantly improves Newfoundland and Labrador’s ability to identify and respond to foreign animal diseases and includes a molecular diagnostics laboratory, rabies laboratory, necropsy room and incinerator.
- The complex was funded through the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Agriculture AgriFlexibility Agreement with the Provincial Government investing $2.9 million and the Federal Government investing $1 million.
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Media contacts:
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Roger Scaplen Director of Communications Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture 709-729-3733, 697-5267 rogerscaplen@gov.nl.ca |
Jeff English Director of Communications Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz 613-773-1059 |
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Media Relations Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Ottawa, Ontario 613-773-7972 1-866-345-7972 Follow us on Twitter:@AAFC_Canada |
2015 07 10 1:20 p.m.