Minister optimistic about agriculture research following Ottawa meeting

Ed Byrne, Minister of Natural Resources, said he feels optimistic about the future of agriculture research and development following a meeting in Ottawa on March 3 with the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Andy Mitchell. Minister Byrne requested the meeting with Minister Mitchell following the federal government decision to close the Atlantic Cool Climate Crop Research Centre located on Brookfield Road in St. John�s.

"I have received a firm commitment from my federal colleague that his department will not downgrade its research activities in this province and it will maintain its scientific and technical research presence at the research centre," said Minister Byrne. "As well, it has been clarified the federal government will continue to carry out field work related to this research using the agriculture land base on Brookfield Road."

Minister Byrne said the federal minister has agreed to establish a working group of senior officials of both governments to further discuss the issue and to seek out opportunities for collaboration on agriculture research and development in this province. Minister Byrne noted this could also involve other government agencies including the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, as well as with Memorial University.

"My discussion with the federal minister resulted in the federal government realizing there are opportunities here for both governments not only to maintain the current level of agriculture research and development in Newfoundland and Labrador but to strengthen and enhance our research capabilities," said Minister Byrne. "We have recognized that we can move forward in directions to create partnerships with each other and with other agencies."

Minister Byrne stated that research and development is a key component of the growing agriculture industry in this province.

"We have a very diversified agriculture industry and one that is very unique considering our climatic conditions," said Minister Byrne. "The commitment from Minister Mitchell to work with this province indicates to me that he does understand the nature of the industry."

Minister Byrne said he looks forward to hosting Minister Mitchell here in the very near future so that he can see first-hand the research centre on Brookfield Road, as well get a better sense of this industry.

"I also want to thank the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture, its member organizations and all the individual farmers who have supported our efforts to ensure the federal government maintains a research presence in this province," said Minister Byrne. "The mobilization of the farming community sent a strong signal of just how important research and development is to the agriculture industry."

Media contact: Carmel Turpin, Communications (709) 729-5282 or (709) 685-4624

2005 03 04             12:40 p.m.