ST. JOHN’S, NL – Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture president Merv Wiseman is welcoming the announcement of funding to help existing farmers and new entrants improve the economic viability of the province’s agriculture and agrifoods industry.
Fisheries and Land Resources Gerry Byrne announced today, May 8, the provincial government is investing $2.75 million into the 2018-19 Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program.
Priority will be given to projects that support food self-sufficiency, increase agricultural growth, increase secondary processing and generate employment, according to a news release from the department.
“We look forward to collaborating with government and working with farmers to help ensure food security and generate employment in Newfoundland and Labrador,” Wiseman said.
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Applicants must have reported a minimum of $15,000 in eligible agriculture sales or qualify as a new entrant to be eligible for the program. New entrants can also now qualify for up to $20,000 in funding under the Agriculture Infrastructure Program.
The Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program falls within two streams focusing on land development and agriculture infrastructure.
For land development, rough clearing is reimbursed at $1,500 per acre with reimbursement for enhancement set at the same rate. There is no funding limit under the land development program. Funding offers will be prorated based on program demand.
For agriculture infrastructure, eligible project costs are reimbursed at 50 per cent for applicants. Reimbursement for pastures is 75 per cent. Eligible expenses include equipment purchase, facility and building construction, site development, and third-party labour.
Funding limits are based on tiered farm income ranging from $20,000 for new entrants to $75,000 for applicants with over $100,000 in agriculture sales.
Regional community pastures can qualify for up to $30,000 in funding for land development, pasture enhancements and capital costs.
