NLIS 1
September 5, 2001
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)
 

Community consultations will help develop strategy for life science economy

Forest Resources and Agrifoods Minister Rick Woodford announced today that community consultations will take place around the province next week in an effort to help develop a strategic plan for life science in agriculture and other resource sectors in our province, as well as raise an awareness of the life science economy.

Mr. Woodford said life science is one of many innovative areas that can help agriculture reach its full potential. "We can see clearly that our agriculture industry is rapidly becoming more innovative and knowledge-based. The life science field can help advance our industry by creating new products and new opportunities for agrifoods production."

Mr. Woodford added that advancing the life science application in other areas, such as environment, health, fisheries and forestry will also be highlighted during the consultations, which will give invited stakeholders the opportunity to express their views on a strategic approach to the development of the life science economy in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Participants will represent a broad range of organizations from the private sector, academic institutions and provincial and federal government departments.

Mr. Woodford said: "We want to look at the economic opportunities that life science can bring to this province, as well as identify the challenges that come with advancing our life science economy. These consultations will be the beginning of the development of a strategic plan for Newfoundland and Labrador."

A life science economy is one based on new and alternative products and services derived from renewable biological material. These �bio-products' include medical, health and food products, as well as new energy sources. Life science will help create a renewable economy and reduce our dependence on non-renewable resources.

"This province has a dynamic research and development sector and a small but growing industry in life science," said Mr. Woodford. Work currently taking place in life science in this province include breeding and testing programs for improvements of native small fruits, such as partridgeberries and blueberries, and an emerging nutraceutical industry from such plants as echinacea and peppermint.

The community consultations are being held jointly by Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Similar consultations are being organized across Canada with both levels of government placing a high priority on developing the life science economy and making Canada a world leader by 2010.

Following the consultations, a report will be prepared that will be a key element in establishing a comprehensive life science strategy for the province, which will be incorporated into a national plan. 

The schedule of community consultations is as follows:

Monday, September 10 Happy Valley-Goose Bay The Aurora
Tuesday, September 11 Corner Brook Holiday Inn
Wednesday, September 12 Gander Hotel Gander
Friday, September 14 St. John's Airport Plaza Hotel

Media contact:

Sonia Glover, Communications, (709) 729-6183.
Life Science Consultation Committee: Ed O'Reilly, Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, (709) 729-0651.

Additional information on the Life Sciences Consultations, including the agenda, can be found on the Agrifoods web site at www.gov.nl.ca/agric

2001 09 05                                              9:10 a.m.