St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, October 12, 2012 - The Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture is pleased to announce the annual Agrifoods and Garden Show will take place at the Pepsi Centre, Corner Brook, from October 12 to 14. This event is the largest show of its kind in the province.
"The agriculture show provides a showcase for residents to view products our farmers are producing, and to see firsthand how our producers are helping grow the economy in Newfoundland and Labrador," said the Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency. "The agriculture industry, which includes 510 farms and an estimated 665 farm operators, is of tremendous importance to the provincial economy and it will continue to play an important role in our future."
The event is funded under Growing Forward, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative, and features exhibits from all aspects of the province's agriculture industry. The show's key objective is to promote the agriculture industry and enhance awareness of the importance of the industry to Newfoundland and Labrador.
"The Agrifoods and Garden show provides an outstanding opportunity to increase agriculture awareness in Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Peter Penashue, Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada. "It showcases the enormity of the sector and it's a great way for the public to meet local farmers, sample farm products and learn more about the industry."
"This event provides a tremendous opportunity for the public to meet farmers, see what the agriculture industry has to offer, and educate children about where their food comes from," said NLFA President Eugene Legge. "The Show provides a great opportunity to showcase exhibits, hold a farmers' market, and have lots of other great activities for people of all ages."
The farmers' market at the show features fresh vegetables, fruit, berries, eggs and local meats. Activities include information sessions and cooking demonstrations using local products. The event also features lots of attractions for kids including a petting farm, interactive milking cow, and chick hatchery.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture is an organization which represents farmers and farmer groups in the province. Our motto is 'Farmers Helping Farmers', and we believe that by sharing information and speaking with a united voice, farmers can work more effectively for the betterment of the agriculture industry, and for the improvement of the province as a whole.
This event is a great example of how Growing Forward is helping to strengthen the agriculture sector. Under Growing Forward 2, FPT governments will continue to support the development of a profitable, innovative and competitive Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector.
The agrifoods and agriculture industry provides approximately 4,000 jobs in Newfoundland and Labrador and has primary and value-added production worth approximately $500 million.
For more information, media may contact:
Relations avec les médias
Agriculture et Agroalimentaire Canada
Ottawa (Ontario)
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
Jeff English
Attaché de presse
Cabinet de l'honorable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059
Eugene Legge
President, Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture
709-682-2019
