NLIS 9
June 23, 2005
(Natural Resources)
Minister welcomes news on
future of federal research farm
Ed Byrne, Minister of
Natural Resources, said today he welcomes the announcement by his
federal colleague, Andy Mitchell, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
Canada (AAFC), that a moratorium has been put in place on the proposed
closure of several federal research farms across the country, including
the Atlantic Cool Climate Crop Research Centre on Brookfield Road in St.
John�s.
This February 2005 budget decision of the federal government to close
the local research centre came without any previous consultation with
the provincial department responsible for agriculture.
�We were certainly surprised at that time to hear of the federal
agriculture department�s intention regarding this research facility and
experimental farm,� said Minister Byrne. �This research facility is a
tremendous asset for the growing agriculture industry in this province
and we made our position very clear that we would not let this facility
be closed due to maintenance issues at the building.�
Immediately following the February announcement, Minister Byrne had the
opportunity to meet with Minister Mitchell at which time he clearly put
forward his position as to the future of the Atlantic Cool Climate Crop
Research Centre. During that meeting, Minister Byrne received a firm
commitment from Minister Mitchell the federal department would not
downgrade its research activities in the province and would maintain its
scientific and technical research presence at the research centre as
well as continue to use the facility�s land base for research.
�We both recognized there were opportunities here for both our
departments, as well as other government and academic organizations to
not only maintain the current level of agriculture research, but to
strengthen and enhance our capabilities as well,� said Minister Byrne.
�It was on that basis that we agreed to establish a working group of
federal and provincial government representatives, along with a
representative of industry, to seek out opportunities for more
collaboration on research.�
Minister Byrne said he is pleased Minister Mitchell announced today
there will be consultations with the provincial and territorial
governments, stakeholders, industry representatives, universities and
research institutes in the development of its science strategy.
�We already have a forum in place through the working group to continue
discussions on the future of research in the province. We are certainly
ahead of the game and I believe this announcement provides an
opportunity for us to broaden the scope of the work now being done,�
said Minister Byrne. �Following my meeting with Minister Mitchell, we
claimed victory that we had rescued the research facility. Today, I
believe we can reclaim that victory because this is positive news for
agriculture science and research in this province and certainly positive
news for our growing and diversifying agriculture industry.�
Media contact: Carmel Turpin, Communications, (709) 729-5282, 685-4624
2005 06 23
4:45 p.m.
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