Fisheries, Forestry and Agrifoods
August 26, 2016

Advancing the Agriculture Industry

Central NL Farmer Using Growing Forward 2 Funding to Expand Unique Market

Romaine, Green Leaf, Red Leaf and Boston Bibb lettuce; root crops, berries, fresh herbs and preserves are a sampling of the locally-produced, fresh items offered at Mark's Market, a Wooddale-based business that is celebrating its official opening today. The Federal and Provincial Governments have invested $172,500 to help expand the local farmers market in order to boost the economy and strengthen the Newfoundland and Labrador agriculture industry.

"Mark's Market produces a wide variety of fruits and vegetables that are typically, and not so typically, grown in Newfoundland and Labrador. With help from the Provincial Government, the farm has been able to strengthen access to local markets and enable consumers to buy directly from the farm market. I congratulate Richard Oram and his family on their dedication to the industry."
- The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agrifoods

The Provincial Government and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada committed $37 million through the Growing Forward 2 program to promote innovation, competitiveness and market development, adaptability and industry capacity. Growing Forward 2 has supported investment in land development, on-farm food safety, environmental farm planning, secondary processing, young farmer initiatives and innovative technology such as crop harvesters and robotic milking systems.

"Mark's Market is a great community initiative and this investment shows our government's commitment to help put more of our farmers' healthy and high-quality foods on kitchen tables. It helps to diversify Newfoundland and Labrador's economy, create jobs and grow the middle class."
- Scott Simms, Member of Parliament for Coast of Bays-Central-Notre Dame

The family farm was started by Richard Oram more than 25 years ago. His son, Chris, is also active in the business, getting involved after graduating in 2011 from Dalhousie Agricultural Campus.

"We are pleased to offer quality, fresh products in a farm setting to our customers. This new facility will enable us to extend our season and increase our product line."
- Richard Oram, Owner, Mark's Market

The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agrifoods is committed to supporting and developing the agricultural industry across the province and is conducting an economic analysis of the sector as well as preparing a new strategy for food security and agricultural growth.

This investment helps meet the Federal Government's goal of putting more healthy, high-quality food, produced by Canadian farmers, on the table of Canadian families.

Information on Growing Forward 2 is available at: www.faa.gov.nl.ca/programs/growingforward2/

Mark's Market is located at Lot #1 Wooddale Road, Grand Falls-Windsor. For more information please visit: www.facebook.com/pages/Marks-Market/331185110458

To achieve a profitable, sustainable and innovative agriculture and agrifoods industry, Growing Forward 2 has invested over $18 million in 493 projects across Newfoundland and Labrador.

QUICK FACTS

• Mark's Market recently received $172,500 through the Growing Forward 2 Market Development Initiative to enhance the on-farm market. Growing Forward 2 is a five-year, federal-provincial-territorial initiative to support the agriculture and agrifoods industry.
• To achieve a profitable, sustainable and innovative agriculture and agrifoods industry, Growing Forward 2 has invested over $18 million in 493 projects across Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Information on Growing Forward 2 is available at: www.faa.gov.nl.ca/programs/growingforward2/

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Media contacts:

Vanessa Colman-Sadd Director of Communications Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agrifoods 709-729-3733, 682-6593 vanessacolmansadd@gov.nl.ca	Media Relations Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Ottawa, Ontario 613-773-7972 1-866-345-7972 Follow us on Twitter: @AAFC_Canada Like us on Facebook: CanadianAgriculture
Guy Gallant Director of Communications Office of the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay 613-773-1059

2016 08 26                              11:05 a.m.