Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

The agricultural research symposium - Our Food, Our Future: Research that Feeds Newfoundland and Labrador - starts today in Corner Brook and is ongoing until November 6. Researchers from disciplines related to agriculture and agrifoods will be discussing areas of interest at this second biennial event, including diversification of agrifood production, value added production and processing, animal health and nutrition, climate change and farm economics.

The symposium is a joint effort between the Department of Natural Resources and Grenfell Campus, Memorial University.

The Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Growing Forward 2 Agreement is contributing $30,365 through the Agriculture Innovation Initiative.

The symposium is also funded through the provincial departments of Natural Resources ($10,325) and Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development ($20,400).

The event will provide current information to farmers, educators, agricultural professionals and others interested in Newfoundland and Labrador agriculture.

Quick facts

• The agricultural research symposium - Our Food, Our Future: Research that Feeds Newfoundland and Labrador - starts today in Corner Brook and is ongoing until November 6.
• Researchers from disciplines related to agriculture and agrifoods will be discussing areas of interest at this second biennial event, including diversification of agrifood production, value added production and processing, animal health and nutrition, climate change and farm economics.
• The symposium is funded through the provincial departments of Natural Resources ($10,325) and Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development ($20,400) and the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Growing Forward 2 Agreement through the Agriculture Innovation Initiative ($30,365).
• Growing Forward 2 is a five-year policy framework and is providing $37 million in federal and provincial investments in innovation, competitiveness and market development for the Newfoundland and Labrador agriculture and agrifoods industry.
• The Provincial Government allocates $1 million annually to support agriculture research and development through the Department of Natural Resources.

Quotes

"There is tremendous opportunity and interest in expanding research in agriculture and agrifoods, as well as in diversifying our provincial economy. As stewards of this industry, the Provincial Government continues to support the agriculture research symposium, and allocates $1 million annually to support agriculture research and development. Priorities identified by the Newfoundland and Labrador agriculture industry are being addressed on such topics as grain production, crop diversification and soil improvement."

- The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency

"The agrifoods industry is important to Grenfell Campus and Memorial University as a whole. The work of the Boreal Ecosystem Research Initiative researchers in our new agricultural, forestry and environmental laboratories is adding tremendously to the body of agriculture knowledge specific to this province. Memorial remains committed to being a leader in research and development in this field."

- Dr. Antony Card, Associate Vice-president (Grenfell Campus) Research

"Our Government supports collaborative initiatives between industry and government. This is an opportunity for researchers, including those from our own Atlantic Cool Climate Crop Research Centre, to discuss and share information that will help producers in this province increase productivity, profitability and competitiveness through innovation."

- Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz

"Our government's investments in research, capital for enterprises, marketing and skills development are having a significant impact and helping to diversify our economy, benefiting everyone across our province. The agrifoods and agriculture industry shows much promise; research in this area has supported the establishment and growth in crops, dairy and meat products production throughout Newfoundland and Labrador."

- The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

src:news.gc.ca