Agriculture Research and Development Program

The agriculture industry is of vital importance to Newfoundland and Labrador, from the contribution it makes to the provincial economy to the fresh local food it provides our residents.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s agriculture industry faces many challenges as it strives to grow and diversify. Global competition, climate change uncertainties, bio-security risks, and consolidation are just some of those challenges.

In an effort to lower costs of production, diversify the industry, enhance sustainable production methods and, overall, produce more food here at home, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador supports a strong Agriculture Research and Development Program. This provincially funded program totaling $1 million annually is defined by industry–driven, applied research and demonstration. Scientists with the Agriculture Production and Research Division are working with local producers in “Living Laboratory” settings to ensure the science conducted is applicable, and adoption of new management practices is accelerated.

Department scientists work closely with Memorial University, Grenfell Campus, Agriculture and AgriFood Canada, and the College of the North Atlantic. With a shared vision for sustainability and growth, shared resources, facilities and expertise, and support from stakeholders, we are well positioned to drive advancements in the agriculture sector and contribute to improving food self-sufficiency in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The specific goals of this program are to investigate opportunities to:

  • Improve on-farm competitiveness and profitability through evaluation and demonstration of crop and livestock production practices that result in increased industry diversification, product value and accelerated adoption of techniques and practices;
  • Enhance environmental sustainability through evaluation and demonstration of beneficial management practices that build and conserve soil health and biodiversity, mitigate greenhouse gas production, enhance carbon sequestration, manage on farm nutrients and promote integrated pest management; and
  • Support new opportunities/technologies through evaluation and demonstration of innovative technology and practices that are new, not generally available, or not widely adopted in a sector.

To find out more about agricultural research in Newfoundland and Labrador and to access recent factsheets and publications, visit https://www.gov.nl.ca/ourfoodourfuture/.

Archived Project Publications

Links