Food self-sufficiency is an important issue for the province
By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com
Elvis Loveless, Newfoundland & Labrador’s minister of agriculture, fisheries and forestry, is preparing for the upcoming FPT ag ministers’ meeting in Whitehorse this month.
“While all provinces and territories have varied agriculture management regimes, Minister Loveless looks forward to connecting with federal, provincial and territorial counterparts to discuss shared interests and common ground,” his department told Farms.com in an emailed statement.
The minister expects to participate in discussions about national issues and those important to locals.
Elvis Loveless
“In addition to the FPT discussions on animal disease preparedness, internal trade, and business risk managements programs in Canada, Minister Loveless will continue to raise issues important to Newfoundland and Labrador,” his department said.
“Food self-sufficiency continues to be a provincial focus to ensure consumers have access to fresh, healthy, local foods. Infrastructure support for innovative technology and land development for farmers is critical for economic growth, sustainability and competitiveness in the NL agriculture sector.
While supporting climate change action and environmental sustainability, we must ensure that farmers are profitable and resilient to be successful into the future.
Recent international issues affecting the agriculture sector serve as a strong reminder of the direct connection Canadians share with each other. As members of the global economy, we are grateful for the support and cooperation of our national counterparts as we continue working together to increase food self-sufficiency, and continue building a strong, sustainable agriculture sector for the future.”
Leading up to the meetings in Whitehorse, Farms.com has contacted multiple ag ministries for comment.
Farms.com has spoken to or received responses from the ministers of Alberta, B.C., New Brunswick and the Northwest Territories.
Federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay also provided comments leading up to the FPT meetings.