Agrifoods and Garden Show Offers First-hand Look at Growing Industry

Newfoundland and Labrador’s largest agricultural show, opening at the Jack Byrne Arena in Torbay today, features exhibits from one of the province’s fastest growing industries. The show runs until Sunday, October 20, and is a great way for residents to meet local farmers and producers while learning more about this important sector.

“The agricultural industry has grown significantly and become more innovative with our department playing a key role in supporting the producers and the industry through our many funding programs,” said the Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency. “The AgriFoods and Garden Show demonstrates the positive impact of industry, farmers, producers and our department working together. The event is well attended every year by people who enjoy sampling the local products and learning more about the province’s agriculture and agrifoods industry.”

The annual event highlights the important role agriculture plays in the local economy. It promotes the agriculture and agrifoods industry and increases awareness of the kinds of products being produced in the province.

During the weekend, a farmers’ market will offer fresh vegetables and other products. There will be information sessions and cooking demonstrations using local produce. The show features family and child-friendly activities, including an agricultural spelling bee, petting farm and a chick hatchery.

One dollar from each admission ticket will go to the Single Parent Association of Newfoundland, and non-perishable food items will be collected for the Community Food Sharing Association.

The AgriFoods and Garden Show is organized by the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture and funded through Growing Forward 2, a cost-shared program between the Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador. Information on the Agrifoods and Garden Show is available at www.nlfa.ca

The agriculture and agrifoods industry provides approximately 6,500 direct and indirect jobs in Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Media contact:
Diana Quinton
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-729-5282, 631-8155
dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca 

2013 10 18                      3:35 p.m.