Executive Council
Fisheries, Forestry and Agrifoods
September 23, 2016

Strengthening the Agriculture Industry

Province's First Canola Field Surpasses Expectations

This morning the harvest of the province's first 30-acre canola field took place in Pasadena. The province's first canola crop will help inform future activities and contribute to an increasingly innovative agriculture industry in Newfoundland and Labrador.

"We have seen tremendous results in growing winter wheat and today we are seeing promising results with canola. The agriculture industry is built on community, dedication and innovation. What is happening today in Pasadena represents the innovative future of agriculture in Newfoundland and Labrador. If our research proves successful, canola could become one of our most important crops."
- The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

Researchers and extension staff investigate new crop varieties and production methods at the Agriculture Research Station in Pynn's Brook as well as on collaborating farmer's fields throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

The canola research is an extension of the province's livestock feeds research and will determine if canola can reach maturity in the western region. The research will also assess and help develop harvest and pressing procedures, establish growing practices and determine oil and meal quality potential. The canola meal will be assessed at Pure Holsteins Limited in Steady Brook. The canola oil will be assessed at various local restaurants throughout the province.

"The canola that was planted this past spring grew exceptionally well, surpassing our researcher's expectations. All indications pointed to a high yield and high quality harvest and I am excited to see that happening today. This harvest has been a priority for our department because it is helping to grow the agriculture industry. This in turn will facilitate food security by advising producers on crop and livestock systems in order to maximize production in a sustainable manner."
- The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agrifoods

Canola is Canada's second most important revenue generator behind wheat. It is grown in nine Canadian provinces and worth over $19 billion to the Canadian economy

The Newfoundland and Labrador agriculture industry provides approximately 6,500 jobs and has primary and value-added production worth approximately $500 million. The Provincial Government provides $1 million to continue agricultural research and development.

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2016 09 23            11:10 a.m.