The Newfoundland and Labrador farming sector will receive more than $11 million to promote innovation in the sector and reduce the risk of foreign animal diseases. Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador, Federal Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and President of the Queens Privy Council, Peter Penashue and the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Natural Resources, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, made the announcement today in St. John’s, Newfoundland. The joint investment by Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador will focus on two initiatives, and provide: $7.5 million for the Agriculture Research Initiative to help farmers and others in the sector lower production costs, enhance environmental sustainability and seize opportunities in new crop varieties, livestock and crop management practices through new techniques especially suited to the Newfoundland and Labrador climate; and $3.9 million for the Foreign Animal Disease Preparedness and Specified Risk Materials Disposal Initiative to build a new animal disease laboratory that will help increase animal disease surveillance and detection capacity. “This investment will bolster the competitiveness of the Newfoundland and Labrador agriculture sector by building and strengthening the province’s capacity for innovation,” said Minister Penashue.
