Fisheries and Land Resources
May 23, 2017

Growing Forward 2 Contributes Millions to Agriculture Industry

The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources, announced the provincial contribution for Growing Forward 2 for 2017-18 will be $3.9 million. The minister made the announcement today while visiting Hillside Holsteins Farm Ltd. in Harcourt.

In total, the Department of Fisheries and Land Resources allocated $10 million in Budget 2017 for agriculture programs, including Growing Forward 2 and the Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program.

Growing Forward 2, is a cost-shared program with the Federal Government. Between 2013 and 2016, the Provincial Government has invested over $10 million into 689 projects across Newfoundland and Labrador. Growing Forward 2 helps Newfoundland and Labrador achieve a profitable, sustainable and innovative agriculture and agrifoods industry.

Increasing food self-sufficiency is one initiative of more than 50 included in The Way Forward: A Vision for Sustainability and Growth in Newfoundland and Labrador. It is also a focus of the Cabinet Committee on Jobs which will increase jobs and growth through unprecedented partnerships with industry.

Quotes
“We are proud to support our local farmers and producers through Growing Forward 2 as they realize their potential to provide our population with fresher, healthier and more nutritious local food choices. Farmers, such as Lucas Strong, co-owner of Hillside Holsteins Farm Ltd., are proof of the economic future of our agriculture industry.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources

“Growing Forward 2helped us expand our dairy farm from a small beef herd to a modern dairy operation. The advanced robotic milking system and the livestock management system in particular are helping us do our part to advance the province’s dairy industry and plan for food self-sufficiency.”
Lucas Strong
Hillside Holsteins Farm Ltd.

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Learn more
Growing Forward 2 – www.faa.gov.nl.ca/programs/growingforward2/
Land for Agriculture - www.faa.gov.nl.ca/agrifoods/land/obtaining_land/requests_for_proposals.html

Agrifoods Programs - www.faa.gov.nl.ca/programs/

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Media contact
Connie Boland
Fisheries and Land Resources
709-637-2923, 640-6409
connieboland@gov.nl.ca

2017 05 23                             11:45 a.m.