With support from the Government of Canada, the Labrador Straits Development Corporation (LSDC) will implement a wild berry harvesting pilot project aimed at increasing harvesting capacity to meet a growing industry need.
The federal support of more than $35,000 was announced today in Red Bay by the Honourable Peter Penashue, Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and President of the Queens Privy Council, on behalf of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and La Francophonie.
"Enhancing the wild berry production and harvesting capacity within the Labrador Straits and Southeastern Labrador regions will lead to increased economic growth and new jobs," said Minister Penashue. "This project will help find ways that more wild berries can be harvested right here in Southern Labrador to fill the growing industry and consumer demand."
The Labrador Straits Development Corporation and the Southeastern Aurora Development Corporation will partner with local industry to establish a harvesting pilot project and determine the cost of harvesting berries from the ground to production, deliver training to local harvesters, and develop a land inventory to determine the availability of a sustainable source of berries within the region.
The two components of the initiative are a pilot harvesting project, including harvester training and secondly, the completion of an inventory of where the berries grow, GPS mapping of the barrens and yield determination.
The Government of Canada’s investment in this project was provided through ACOA's Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) which focuses on investments that lead to long-term employment and economic capacity building in rural communities.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The Government of Canada is providing the Labrador Straits Development Corporation $35,267 to implement a wild berry harvesting and pilot initiative, aimed at increasing harvesting capacity to meet the wild berry industry needs.
Regional Minister Peter Penashue made the announcement today in Red Bay.
The Government of Canada’s investment in this project was provided through ACOA's Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) which focuses on investments that lead to long-term employment and economic capacity building in rural communities.
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Information:
Doug Burgess
Director Public Affairs
ACOA NL
709-772-2935
