Agriculture

Background/overview

Agriculture has always had a presence in the central region of the province. Traditionally grown crops often include potatoes, carrots, turnip and cabbage; however, the sector has become more diversified in recent years with the introduction of different fruit and other commodities. According to a report by the Department of Natural Resources, in the eastern portion of the region, there are 70 commercial farms in forestry Planning Zone 3 (districts 4, 5, 6, and 8) with total farm cash receipts amounts of $5.7 million annually with $3.2 million coming from the livestock sector (poultry, beef, hogs, sheep and fur) and 2.5 million contributed from the Crops Sector including which includes vegetables, small fruit, feeds, Christmas trees and greenhouses production.

At the provincial level, some suggestions have been made that it could be beneficial to the agriculture industry to expand through agro-tourism. This could mean that local farms offer tours and samples to visitors while giving some information and history about the sector in this province. This type of business can involve a variety of activities including animal feeding and picking berries to navigating corn mazes and potentially staying overnight on the farm. In the context of the Grand Falls-Windsor – Baie Verte – Harbour Breton region, these ideas could be implemented in the agriculture sector to diversify economically and increase interest.

Land-use related issues

One issue that has been raised regarding agriculture is that there is not enough viable land available in the province since it is being used for other things. For instance, forest that is being held for potential harvesting might also be viable for agriculture, but already belongs to another stakeholder. However, it was noted in some forestry plans that landholders might be willing to work with the Department of Agriculture to determine if opportunities exist for an exchange between agriculturally viable forest areas with unsuitable agriculture land within the Agriculture Development Areas.

Another issue arises with fewer youth choosing to remain in rural communities and a decreasing interest in farming. Because of this, many arable lands are being left fallow. Similarly, in many communities, knowledge of local wild plants and the location of the best berry-picking areas or hunting grounds are being lost with the older generations due to the lack of interest and need from younger residents.

Related information resources

Antle, R. 2010. “Fruit of the gloom… or boom?” The Telegram, accessed September 14, 2012, http://www.thetelegram.com/Business/Manufacturing/2010-07-19/article-1595297/Fruit-of-the-gloom-…-or-boom%3F/1.

Antle, R. 2010. “Prospects for growth.” The Telegram, accessed September 14, 2012, http://www.thetelegram.com/Business/Manufacturing/2010-07-17/article-1595592/Prospects-for-growth/1.

Bartlett, S. 2011. “Liberals tour local agriculture.” The Telegram, accessed September 14, 2012, http://www.thetelegram.com/News/Local/2011-09-24/article-2759212/Liberals-tout-local-agriculture/1.

“Growing Forward marks first anniversary in province.” 2010. The Telegram, accessed September 14, 2012,http://www.thetelegram.com/News/Politics/2010-07-19/article-1595788/Growing-forward-marks-first-anniversary-in-province/1.

Robinson, A. 2010. “An aging industry.” The Telegram, accessed September 14, 2012, http://www.thetelegram.com/Arts—Life/People/2010-04-10/article-1451770/An-aging-industry/1.

Smellie, S. 2012. “Young farmers waiting in the wings.” The Telegram, accessed September 14, 2012, http://www.thetelegram.com/News/Local/2012-07-03/article-3021711/Young-farmers-waiting-in-the-wings/1.

Statistics Canada. 2007. “Farms classified by industry group (North American Industry Classification System).” Government of Canada, accessed September 14, 2012, http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/95-629-x/3/4123861-eng.htm#10.

Sullivan, D. S. 2011. “Foraging for Safer Practices.” The Telegram, accessed September 14, 2012, http://www.thetelegram.com/News/Local/2011-06-20/article-2593904/Foraging-for-safer-practices/1.

“Value of Canadian Farmland Rising, Says Farm Credit Canada Report.” 2012. The Telegram, accessed September 14, 2012, http://www.thetelegram.com/Canada—World/Business/2012-04-16/article-2955526/Value-of-Canadian-farmland-rising%2C-says-Farm-Credit-Canada-report/1.

Wells, K. 2010. “The Blueberry Farmer.” The Telegram, accessed September 14, 2012, http://www.thetelegram.com/Arts—Life/Food/2010-04-10/article-1437696/The-blueberry-farmer/1.