News Release

For Immediate Release 
June 4, 2003

ECBC Releases Final Report of an Agricultural Exports and 
Value-Added Study for the Cape Breton Industry

Sydney (N.S.) - Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC) announced today, the results of a recently completed study of the Cape Breton Island agricultural industry.

The report, conducted by Grant Thornton LLP and its partners, Morton Horticultural Associates and ProAgri Consulting Limited, provides a detailed analysis of the sector, and focuses on opportunities to increase value-added production and export sales. 

The primary recommendations of the study include: 

·The development of a coordinated agri-tourism strategy to complement the region’s existing tourism strategy.

· The establishment of a network of coordinated product showcase venues and outlets to professionally present Cape Breton agricultural products and services.

· The development of a one-stop, value-added agricultural innovation centre as a resource centre for industry entrepreneurs.

· An expansion of the Cape Breton maple industry to meet with the world’s increasing demand for high-quality maple products.

· The expansion of the blueberry industry in Cape Breton including additional processing and packaging facilities.

· Increased mink production.

Supplementary recommendations include the development of a comprehensive branding program for Cape Breton Island agricultural products, additional infrastructure for processing, marketing and distribution and the establishment of an investment fund to provide access to capital. Improved relationships with major food service companies were also seen as key, as was the need to provide timely and pertinent information to producers as they attempt to develop value-added products and increase export sales. 

“As this study indicates, there are opportunities for growth within the Island’s agricultural sector, especially in the areas of value-added production and exports” says Rick Beaton, Vice President of ECBC. “The challenge now is to work collaboratively with producers and other stakeholders to provide a consistent and focused approach to industry development.”

Copies of the study can be obtained directly from ECBC. 

Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation offers programs in support of economic development initiatives and is responsible for delivering ACOA's programs on Cape Breton Island and in the Mulgrave area.


FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:

D.A. Landry 
ECBC Communications 
Tel: (902) 564-3617