Judy Foote, Minister of Development and Rural Renewal, will open the Newfoundland and Labrador Crafts Development Association's 23rd Annual Christmas Craft Fair this morning. The exhibition is taking place from November 21 - 24 at the Memorial Stadium in St. John's.

"The NLCDA Christmas Craft Fair has become a Christmas tradition for thousands of residents in the St. John's and surrounding area," said the minister. "The craft industry is an ideal growth industry for Newfoundland and Labrador. We have a strong culture and tradition in this province which are reflected in the crafts produced here. These unique and highly marketable products can be designed and produced in even the most rural of locations. My department has identified the expanding potential of the craft sector and is committed to work to support and develop the craft industry in this province."

The craft industry in Newfoundland and Labrador is estimated to be valued at as high as $27 million. There are 6,000 commercial producers in the province with about 2,000 of those devoting all or a significant amount of their time to the production of crafts.

"My department is working to identify and develop export opportunities for the craft, gift and apparel sectors," continued the minister. "Our Wholesale Marketing Program provides an opportunity for commercial producers to obtain buyer feedback about their product lines, at no cost to them. We determine the marketability of local products while exposing national wholesale buyers to craft products made in this province. This is one way in which we develop market research on the potential of the crafts industry, which we then pass on to the craft producers in the province."

The Department of Development and Rural Renewal houses the Craft Development Division. The division has staff throughout the province who are available to provide business information, counselling and financial support to clients of the Craft Industry.

Contact: Susan Laite, Director of Communications, (709) 729-4570.

• NOTE TO EDITORS: Ms. Foote will be opening the NLCDA Craft Fair at 11:40 am. today (November 21), at the Memorial Stadium in St. John's.