Establishing the O’Brien Farm as an Agriculture Incubator and Tourist Attraction
News release
Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador support O’Brien Farm Foundation
November 30, 2018 – St. John’s, NL – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Supporting important economic sectors in Atlantic Canada like tourism and agriculture generates new opportunities, creates good paying jobs and helps to strengthen and diversify our communities. The governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador recognize that these industries offer a tremendous opportunity for further economic growth. That is why they are partnering with the O’Brien Farm Foundation on an initiative that will benefit the agriculture and tourism sectors, while also preserving the history of urban farming and Irish settlement in St. John’s.
Over the next three years, the O’Brien Farm Foundation will undertake the development of the 200-year old O’Brien Farm to preserve its history, advance public education on sustainable agricultural practices, encourage innovation in agriculture and enhance cultural and experiential tourism at the farm.
Nick Whalen, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and the Honourable Bernard Davis, Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour, on behalf of the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation (TCII), made the announcement today. The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Associate Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for St. John’s South—Mount Pearl also took part in the event.
The project will involve interior and exterior renovations to Thimble Cottage and improvements to the grounds and parking area, as well as constructing a learning centre, creating a community garden and developing farm incubator infrastructure, including a barn, fencing and equipment. The foundation is receiving $600,000 from ACOA’s Business Development Program and $263,750 from TCII’s Regional Development Program for this initiative.
This investment builds on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which involves targeted actions to create opportunities for all Atlantic Canadians. This includes supporting economic development in key sectors like tourism and agriculture through investments in innovation, growth and diversification.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada believes that public investment is an important catalyst that spurs economic growth, job creation and broad-based prosperity. Making smart investments in initiatives like this one with the O’Brien Farm Foundation recognizes the growth potential of this region’s tourism and agriculture sectors and the importance of innovation and collaboration to community economic development.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“The O’Brien Farm Foundation, and its project to develop the O’Brien Farm as an attraction that promotes the importance of urban farming and innovation in agriculture, has earned our government’s support. Agricultural education and experiential tourism play to the farm’s strengths as a hidden gem on Mount Scio, and will keep the farm’s incredible history alive for generations to come.- Nick Whalen, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East
“By helping to preserve and support urban farming in the heart of St. John’s, government is contributing to sustainable food systems, community innovation and positive models for economic inclusion. This multi-faceted investment aligns with The Way Forward, building on our commitment to increase food self-sufficiency to at least 20 per cent, while increasing the number of social enterprises in Newfoundland and Labrador.”- The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
“This contribution from ACOA and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will play a major role in supporting the O'Brien Farm Foundation to realize its vision for the historic O'Brien Farm. This vision includes sharing the story of the history of the Irish farming community in St. John's and supporting agriculture going into the future through educational programs for backyard gardeners and new farmers. With the generous contributions of both levels of government, the foundation plans to build a learning centre and farm buildings that will complement a restored Thimble Cottage.”- Shannie Duff, Chair, O’Brien Farm Foundation
Contacts
Paul McGrath
Director of Communications
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
Paul.McGrath@canada.ca
Eric Humber
Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
709-729-4819, 725-9655
Erichumber@gov.nl.ca
Shannie Duff
Chair
O’Brien Farm Foundation
709-689-6096
shannieduff@nl.rogers.com