The Provincial Government is seeking Expressions of Interest to establish up to four regional, cooperative vegetable cold storage and packing facilities throughout the province to be located in western, central and eastern Newfoundland, and in Labrador. The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources, announced the project today during the Newfoundland and Labrador Food Producers Advisory Council meeting in Clarenville.
Expressions of Interest will be considered from individuals, producer cooperatives or associations, and may include a variety of scenarios including sale, construction or conversion of existing structures into appropriate, certified cold storage and packing facilities.
Proponents are eligible to apply for funding through existing agricultural support programs such as the Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program or Canadian Agricultural Partnership. Information on the Expression of Interest process can be found at www.faa.gov.nl.ca/programs/index.html. The deadline is April 30, 2020.
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 www.thewayforward.gov.nl.ca.
Quotes
“Access to adequate, certified cold storage facilities is critical for smaller-scale farmers who wish to expand their vegetable production. By establishing cooperative facilities throughout the province, we’re giving smaller-scale farmers who might not be ready to make a substantial financial investment into cold-storage infrastructure the boost they need to expand production, improve vegetable quality, and ultimately, improve food self-sufficiency in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honorable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources
“Cold storage allows farmers to extend their marketing periods, meet wholesaler requirements for consistent quality and supply, and increase opportunities for secondary processing. Establishing cooperative cold storage facilities will give producers the infrastructure they need to increase production and improve vegetable quality. I encourage producers to consider this opportunity to expand and enhance our provincial vegetable sector.”
Melvin Rideout,
President, Newfoundland and Labrador Horticulture Producers Council
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Learn more
Expression of Interest: Development of Cooperative Vegetable Cold Storage Facilities
Canadian Agricultural Partnership
Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program
The Way Forward on Agriculture
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Media contacts
Linda Skinner
Fisheries and Land Resources
709-637-2284, 632-8167
lindaskinner@gov.nl.ca
Melvin Rideout
Newfoundland and Labrador Horticulture Producers Council
709-636-1258
melvinrideout@gmail.com