The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Pleaman Forsey, Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands:

Speaker, we want to grow more of what we eat and eat more of what we grow, right here at home. This month, we celebrate the people who are making that goal a reality.

We lit Confederation Building green on Saturday to mark Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month.

Our friends at Agriculture in the Classroom NL are out and about in the province’s schools this month. Through stories, music, art contests and other fun activities, they’re talking about the role agriculture plays in our daily lives.

One of the highlights is their new storybook, “Hay! Have You Herd?” The story follows Abby as she learns how veterinary care helps ensure the food we eat is safe and nutritious.

Thank you to Agriculture in the Classroom NL for inspiring a future generation of farmers here at home.

March 15-21 also marks Canadian Agricultural Safety Week.

Farming can be dangerous work. Our farmers follow strict measures to ensure safe workplaces for all. We also offer funding to help them keep their farms safe and strong.

Speaker, join me in celebrating our province’s agriculture professionals for their important work.

Thank you.