New Laboratory Enhances Ability to Identify Foreign Animal Diseases
July 10, 2015 – St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador – Agriculture and Agri-Food (AAFC)
A $3.9 million modern facility that significantly improves Newfoundland and Labrador's ability to identify and respond to foreign animal diseases was officially opened by the Honourable Vaughn Granter, Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency this afternoon. Minister Granter was joined by John Dinn, MHA for Kilbride and the province's Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Hugh Whitney.
The new Foreign Animal Disease Laboratory Complex, co-located with the Provincial Agriculture Building in St. John's, includes a molecular diagnostics laboratory, rabies laboratory, necropsy room and incinerator. It was funded through the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Agriculture AgriFlexibility Agreement with the Provincial Government investing $2.9 million and the Federal Government providing $1 million.
The Newfoundland and Labrador agriculture industry generates direct and indirect employment for approximately 6,500 people. Together with agrifoods production, the industry is valued at nearly $500 million per year.
Through Budget 2015, the Provincial Government will provide close to $12 million through Growing Forward 2, the Agriculture and Agrifoods Development Fund, Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program, Land Consolidation Program, Agriculture Research and Development Program, and the Agricultural Limestone Program.
Roger Scaplen
Director of Communications
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
709-729-3733, 709-697-5267
rogerscaplen@gov.nl.ca
Jeff English
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
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