Natural Resources
February 5, 2015
Diversifying the Provincial Economy
Minister Highlights Importance of Agriculture and Agrifoods Industry to Provincial Economy
The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency, focused on diversifying the economy when he spoke at the annual general meeting for the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture in Gander last night.
"I appreciated the opportunity to meet producers and agriculture industry representatives at last night's event. The agriculture and agrifoods industry is a strong contributor to the provincial economy and includes some of the largest individual dairy and poultry farms in Canada, as well as sod, livestock, forage, strawberry, cranberry and vegetable farms. The Provincial Government continues to support this industry through various funding programs, such as Growing Forward 2, the Agriculture and Agrifoods Development Fund, Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program, as well as research and development."
- The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency
Under Growing Forward 2, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada have committed $37 million over five years for programs that will benefit the local industry.
In 2014, the Federal and Provincial Governments jointly invested $6 million through Growing Forward 2 to bring innovative technology to Newfoundland and Labrador farms, encourage people to enter the agriculture and agrifoods industry, enhance food safety, increase market opportunities, and make the sector more environmentally sustainable.
"We're delighted to have Minister Dalley speak at our annual general meeting this year. It's great to see all the recognition our industry is receiving given its importance to our economy and food security."
- Eugene Legge, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture
The Provincial Government also supported the $2.55 million Agriculture and Agrifoods Development Fund and the $2.25 million Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program in 2014. Additionally, $1 million is allocated annually to support agriculture research and development.
QUICK FACTS
- The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency, focused on how the agriculture and agrifoods industry helps diversify the economy when he spoke at the annual general meeting for the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture last night in Gander.
- Newfoundland and Labrador's agriculture industry includes some of the largest individual dairy and poultry farms in Canada, as well as sod, livestock, forage, strawberry, cranberry and vegetable farms.
- The agriculture and agrifoods industry generates direct and indirect employment for approximately 6,500 men and women. The agriculture industry has annual farm gate revenues totalling upwards of $137 million. The value of the agrifoods processing sector has reached over $500 million per year.
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Media contacts:
|
Diana Quinton
Director of Communications Department of Natural Resources 709-729-5282, 631-8155 dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca |
Eugene Legge
President Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture, 709- 682-2019 |
2015 02 05 9:35 a.m.