The following was issued today by Ed Byrne, Minister of Natural Resources. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

I rise today to announce that a project intended to explore the commercial growth potential of potatoes in Labrador will take place starting this year in the Happy Valley-Goose Bay area.

Recently, the Department of Natural Resources carried out a selection process to identify a qualified producer to undertake the pilot potato project following a Call for Expressions of Interest. I am pleased to announce the successful proponent is Day Break Farms of Happy Valley-Goose Bay. The potato crop will be planted in June at a research field using standard potato production practices. Potatoes will be harvested in years two, three and four of the project.

This project is a prime example of how the recently implemented Northern Agrifoods Strategy is being used to assess the growth potential of the agriculture industry in Labrador. Funding for this initiative has been provided through the federal-provincial Agricultural Policy Framework Agreement in the amount of $63,000.

The potato project will help us enhance the viability of food production in the region. At the end of this project, we hope we will have made progress in determining the best techniques and practices required to produce commercial yields of quality potatoes in the Happy Valley-Goose Bay area. By conducting a research and development project into the potential of establishing quality potato crops in Labrador, this government is demonstrating its commitment to enhance the agrifoods industry and its economic benefits throughout Labrador. We have also moved forward to make available suitable land for agriculture development and we have provided funding for the necessary equipment required to develop agriculture land.

One of the objectives of The Northern Agrifoods Development Strategy is to set out some long-term strategic actions to advance the agriculture industry in Labrador. In considering the unique needs of Labrador, we have developed within the Agriculture Policy Framework Agreement an initiative entitled the Northern Agrifoods Initiative. Approximately $1.5 million has been set aside to support the implementation of the strategy and to encourage the development, diversification and commercialization of a northern agrifoods industry. There is flexibility in this initiative to address the agricultural development needs in Labrador.

This funding will be targeted to encourage the growth, diversification and commercialization of livestock, crops, fruits and native berries through adaptive and scientific research, economic analysis, human resource development, marketing, and various food safety initiatives. Funding will also encourage further processing and value-added products.

I encourage the producers in Labrador to seek out opportunities for funding support through the Northern Agrifoods Initiative. This government will continue to work with the industry in Labrador to ensure we take advantage of the opportunities for growth in the agriculture sector.

2005 03 23                              2:15 p.m.