The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources, today provided an update on the Newfoundland and Labrador Regional Pastures Program, an initiative that has put more than 26,000 acres of otherwise marginal land to good use as forage for livestock in 22 regional pastures across the island portion of the province.
Regional pastures are eligible for funding to support and enhance development under the Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program and the Canadian Agriculture Program. In 2019-20, these programs have committed $324,396 to fund 10 pastures across the island, where 80 patrons are grazing 2,280 livestock animals including beef, calves, sheep, lambs and heifers. The funding has also been used to clear 45 acres of land and develop 614 metres of road, and for 31,430 feet of fencing. In addition, 40 loads of manure and 52,925 kilograms of fertilizer will be applied to the pastures to improve forage quality.
Since 2018, a total of $561,904 has been invested in, or committed to, community pastures through Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program and the Canadian Agriculture Program funding. A full report on the Newfoundland and Labrador Regional Pastures Program is available here.
This initiative advances the Provincial Government’s plans to develop a stronger economic foundation and increase food self-sufficiency by at least 20 per cent by 2022, as outlined in The Way Forward. Support for agriculture also delivers on commitments in The Way Forward to strengthen the economy and deliver better services and better outcomes for residents. The Way Forward outlines all actions the Provincial Government is taking to achieve a strong, diversified province with a high standard of living, and can be viewed at thewayforward.gov.nl.ca.
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“Regional pastures are an invaluable and indispensable way for farmers to reduce costs associated with pasture development and provide a natural environment for raising animals with little requirement for disturbance by the farmer. Supporting this initiative through provincial and federal agriculture funding continues to be a great investment in an important resource for small commercial livestock producers.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Fisheries and Land Resources
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Learn more
Newfoundland and Labrador Regional Pastures Program
Canadian Agricultural Partnership
Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program
The Way Forward on Agriculture
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Media contact
Linda Skinner
Fisheries and Land Resources
709-637-2284, 632-8167
lindaskinner@gov.nl.ca