Agriculture Industry Supported by Increased Access to Crown Land

Farmers and agricultural producers will now have almost double the amount of land available to them with additional Crown lands now available for agricultural production. The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agrifoods, and the Honourable Eddie Joyce, Minister of Municipal Affairs, made the announcement today at Pure Holsteins, Little Rapids.

“This announcement delivers on a commitment in The Way Forward to increase food self-sufficiency by at least 20 per cent by 2022, and also supports our goals to foster economic growth throughout the province. By making Crown land throughout the province available for agriculture development, we are helping farmers expand their operations and encouraging new entrants to see agricultural production as a viable and profitable opportunity.”
- The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agrifoods identified 62 agriculture areas of interest totalling approximately 64,000 hectares to increase agriculture development. This is a significant increase over the 19 areas that are currently available.

“We consulted with farmers, municipalities and other stakeholders who had a great deal of knowledge and interest in this initiative. Their input and ideas are invaluable as we work together to increase agriculture production, which in turn will create new economic opportunities and improve food security in our province. It will also help farmers and producers reduce costs and dependency on imported dairy forage and grain.”
- The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agrifoods

The Department of Municipal Affairs, Crown Lands Administration Division, receives approximately 80 applications annually for agriculture development. In 2015, the department initiated a comprehensive review of its Lands Act. The review committee’s report included recommendations to improve the application process based on input from the public and key stakeholder groups, including the agriculture sector.

“Enhancing access to Crown lands benefits residents, municipalities and businesses throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. The Provincial Government is listening to the needs of the local industry, and we are providing increased access to help agriculture companies, which will help them grow and strengthen our economy.”
- The Honourable Eddie Joyce, Minister of Municipal Affairs

By making more land available for agriculture development, the Provincial Government is helping new and current farmers and producers find new ways to expand and improve their business. Increasing the capacity and competitiveness of the agriculture industry brings direct employment benefits to local communities.

“This announcement further reiterates our government’s commitment to the growth of agriculture in Newfoundland and Labrador. By streamlining the application process it readily makes land available to all agricultural producers but most importantly to young farmers. On behalf of Pure Holsteins Limited and the Newfoundland Young Farmers Forum, I commend our government both provincially and federally for their ongoing commitments, support and aggressive approach towards the growth of the agricultural industries in our province.”
- David Simmons, Pure Holsteins Limited

The Newfoundland and Labrador agriculture industry generates direct and indirect employment for approximately 6,500 people. The industry creates employment in all regions of the province.

“Agriculture is a great economic contributor to St. Georges - Humber and to the west coast of the province in general. This announcement will help producers grow and expand their operations to reach their full potential.”
- Scott Reid, MHA St. Georges - Humber

Source:  Newfoundland and Labrador