Fisheries and Aquaculture
September 18, 2015

Investing in Farmers and Producers

Residents Encouraged to Participate in Fall Agricultural Events

The agriculture industry generates direct and indirect employment for approximately 6,500 men and women in Newfoundland and Labrador. Together with agrifoods processing, the industry is valued at nearly $500 million per year. Since 2003, the Provincial Government has invested more than $260 million in agriculture and agrifoods development to grow the industry, assist producers and increase food security.

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians interested in learning more about the province's agriculture and agrifoods industry have the opportunity to participate in the many agricultural events taking place throughout the province this fall.

"Newfoundland and Labrador's agriculture and agrifoods industry is continuously developing and diversifying. To highlight that growth, the Provincial Government supports producers and farmers in showcasing their products while at the same time giving residents an opportunity to sample and purchase locally-grown produce and other items. We encourage people to attend upcoming agricultural events, such as the provincial Open Farm Day and the Humber Valley Agriculture Home and Handicraft Exhibition, both of which are taking place this weekend."
- The Honourable Vaughn Granter, Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency

Growing and diversifying the agricultural sector supports one of the policy actions in the province's Population Growth Strategy which is to provide support for a sustainable food supply through a renewed Agrifoods and Agriculture Strategy. The strategy focuses on increasing local food production and supply, designating land for agriculture and agrifood usage, and ensuring succession planning for the agriculture industry.

"Newfoundland and Labrador is self-sufficient in milk and egg production and is close to self-sufficient in chicken production. We recognize that enhanced food security provides social and economic benefits to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and we are continuing to make advances in expanding vegetable and fruit production. We are also undertaking research and development projects in areas such as cereal grain and soybean production to help producers, such as dairy and poultry farmers, reduce livestock feed costs by reducing the amount of feed that needs to be imported from out-of-province."
- Minister Granter

A list of farms participating in Open Farm Day Sunday, September 20 can be found on the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture's website at www.nlfa.ca/#!open-farm-day-2015/cv1j .

A list of fall agricultural events can be found at: www.faa.gov.nl.ca/agrifoods/stats/pdf/Festival_Events.pdf

QUICK FACTS:

• Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are encouraged to participate in the many agricultural events taking place in various areas this fall such as the provincial Open Farm Day and the Humber Valley Agriculture Home and Handicraft Exhibition, both of which are taking place this weekend.
• The agriculture industry generates direct and indirect employment for approximately 6,500 men and women in Newfoundland and Labrador. Together with agrifoods processing, the industry is valued at nearly $500 million per year.
• Since 2003, the Provincial Government has invested more than $260 million on agriculture and agrifoods development to grow the industry, assist producers and increase food security.
• A list of farms participating in Open Farm Day on September 20 can be found at www.nlfa.ca/#!open-farm-day-2015/cv1j
• A listing of other agricultural events around the province this fall can be found at: www.faa.gov.nl.ca/agrifoods/stats/pdf/Festival_Events.pdf

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Media contact:

Roger Scaplen Director of Communications Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture 709-729-3733, 697-5267 rogerscaplen@gov.nl.ca

2015 09 18                              3:30 p.m.