The value of agricultural production grew by 1.5% to $36 million in the first half of 1998 compared to the same period of 1997. Growth in value occurred in eggs, cattle and floriculture while losses occurred in vegetables and hogs. Industry production increased despite the September 1997 removal of the Provincial Stabilization Program which had paid a production subsidy to chicken producers.
The fastest growing sector of the industry in recent years has been floriculture and nursery. This sector includes greenhouse, sod and nursery producers. The value of production more than doubled from $4 million in 1988 to $9 million in 1997. Floriculture and nursery directly employs an estimated 300 people.