200 additional acres of land being developed for cranberry production
September 10, 2014 – Grand Falls-Windsor, NL – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Today, the Honourable Susan Sullivan, provincial Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development, joined Senator Norman Doyle, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador and Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency), to announce an investment of $7 million to further develop the provincial cranberry industry.
The federal and provincial government investments will help the Cranberry Association of Newfoundland and Labrador to develop an additional 200 acres of land for cranberry production. This will bring the total acreage being used for cranberry farming in the province to 500 acres within a few years.
Additional cranberry industry growth will enable the industry to achieve long-term commercial sustainability and create significant economic benefits, especially for rural communities in the central region of the province, where most of Newfoundland and Labrador’s cranberry farming takes place.
Quick Facts:
- The Government of Canada’s investment of $3 million was provided through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund, which invests in strategic projects that build the economies of Atlantic Canada's communities.
- The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s investment of $4 million was provided through the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development.
- Cranberry farming in Newfoundland and Labrador is a relatively recent development, starting in the late 1990s. The industry began with pilot sites throughout the province, which were developed by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, in collaboration with private sector partners.
- The Cranberry Association of Newfoundland and Labrador represents provincial cranberry farmers and works with its members to promote the cranberry industry in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Association provides industry training and education to its members, as well as technical assistance on farm-related issues.
Quotes:
“Our Government recognizes the importance of investing in industries that help develop a more diversified and robust economy, particularly in our rural areas. Today’s investment in the Cranberry Association of Newfoundland and Labrador will help to establish a commercially viable industry, create economic benefits and spin-offs for the central region, and strengthen the province’s overall agriculture and agri-foods industry.”
- Senator Norman Doyle, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador and Minister of State (ACOA)
“Government’s significant investment in the cranberry industry demonstrates our continued commitment to building a strong agriculture and agrifoods industry in our province. This initiative is yet another example of an innovative solution that is diversifying the economy, reinvigorating communities and creating jobs in rural areas of the province. By supporting growth in the cranberry industry, we are also ensuring farmers have the assistance they need to reach a sustainable level of production.”
- The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development
“The Cranberry Association of Newfoundland and Labrador welcomes this announcement. We are looking forward to our role of continuing the development of the cranberry industry in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
- Fabian Power, President, Cranberry Association of Newfoundland and Labrador
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Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Rob Moore
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Julie Afonso
Acting Director, Public Affairs
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
Fabian Power
Cranberry Association of Newfoundland and Labrador
709-293-4808, 709-489-0468
Jennifer Tulk
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development
709-729-4570, 728-4104
jennifertulk@gov.nl.ca
