agriculture & agri-food

Atlantic Canada is home to a vibrant agriculture and agri-food industry. It's where you'll find the world's largest producer of frozen French fries, the manufacturer of the world's first candy bar, and the wild blueberry capital of the world. Tradition and quality has shaped the success of the region's manufacturers, who produce everything from maple sugar products and molasses, to bottled water and Moosehead, one of the most popular beers ever to reach U.S. consumers.

The agriculture and agri-food industry is the region's fifth largest employer, providing a livelihood to farmers, suppliers, processors, manufacturers, transporters, grocers and restaurant workers. In 2000, the agriculture and agri-food industry generated nearly $6 billion in domestic retail and food sales, and over $12 billion in exports (excluding seafood). From 1997 to 2001, exports of value-added agricultural products increased by more than 50%.

Atlantic Canadian producers and processors are on the cutting edge of new technologies and methodologies to improve efficiency and productivity. Farms of all sizes have access to the information provided by Agriculture and Agri-food Canada concerning new farming methods. Research facilities such as the Atlantic Veterinary College in Charlottetown, PE and the Potato Research Center in Fredericton, NB provide support for this vital industry.

Traditional crops are the focus of innovation and new value-added product development among Atlantic Canada's farming community. With its strategic location, excellent transportation infrastructure, competitive costs, advanced research facilities and a willing workforce, the agriculture and agri-food industry continues to be a driving force in the region's economy.