NB 525
April 24, 2008
FREDERICTON (CNB) - The province will be contributing $210,000 to help agriculture producers and agri-businesses market New Brunswick agri-food products locally. Agriculture and Aquaculture Minister Ronald Ouellette made the announcement today.
The money is being made available under the New Brunswick Agri-Food Market Development Program as part of a commitment by the department to further develop domestic markets in order to increase the sale and consumption of New Brunswick agri-food products within the province.
"This program highlights the importance this government places on getting locally produced food to New Brunswick consumers," Ouellette said. "By purchasing local agri-food products, consumers support the sustainability of agriculture in New Brunswick, strengthening our local economy and helping the industry be an important player in this government's objective of achieving self-sufficiency."
This is the second year of the program. Last year, it contributed in excess of $150,000 towards 81 domestic market development projects, representing over $600,000 in marketing upgrades.
The project aims to increase the sale and consumption of local agri-food products through marketing initiatives such as road signage, promotion activities, agri-tourism, the development and market launch of new products, and the establishment of marketing groups.
In 2008-09 the program will again provide cost-shared assistance to producers, farm markets, associations and agri-food businesses to help increase their capacity to improve the sale and consumption of local New Brunswick agri-food products.
"New Brunswick farmers are a proud and diverse group who know their business best," Ouellette said. "That's why we designed the program to provide assistance directly to them so that they can better promote their high-quality, New Brunswick agri-food products."
To address issues surrounding the marketing of New Brunswick agri-food products, Ouellette last year created the Agri-Food Market Development Advisory Committee, a group that comprises 10 members representing various commodities and marketing channels in New Brunswick. The department will continue to consult with this group as it moves forward with its buy local initiative.
For more information on the New Brunswick Agri-Food Market Development Program, visit the departmental website at www.gnb.ca/agriculture.
08/04/24
MEDIA CONTACT: Alain Bryar, communications, Agriculture and Aquaculture, 506-444-4218.
08/04/24