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Agri-Tourism Study
D.W. Knight Associates was contracted to complete "A Study of
Agri-Tourism in Newfoundland and Labrador". The Study investigated the current
agri-tourism situation in the province, what other provinces have done to
develop their agri-tourism industry, identified opportunities in the province
and made recommendations to capitalize on these opportunities.
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Industrial Milk Quota
Funding was provided to the Dairy Farmers of Newfoundland and
Labrador to investigate the viability of being part of the National Milk
Marketing Plan.
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Emergency Response Farm Planning Workshops
Workshops were held across the province to train farmers in
emergency first aid and to assist them in developing emergency response plans
for their farms.
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Atlantic Farm Business Challenges '99
This Atlantic conference was held February 1999 in Dartmouth,
and the FBMP funded Newfoundland farmers to attend the conference, as well as,
funding to organize and hold the conference. The conference theme was "Our Road
to the Future, Farming into the 21st Century", and dealt with topics such as The
Environment, Risk Management, Market Outlook, and Financing the Future. Mr.
Melvin J. Rideout of Cormack proudly represented Newfoundland and Labrador on
the Farmer's Panel highlighting how his farm has managed change. 200
participants attended from Atlantic Canada.
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Bison Development Strategy
Funding was provided to the Newfoundland Beef Producers
Association and the Newfoundland and Labrador Livestock Council to conduct a
Bison Strategy for the province. The study explored the markets for locally
produced products, investment options, infrastructure issues and livestock
acquisition. The strategy will be used as a guide by the industry, interested
investors and government agencies.
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The Media
Funding was provided to the Newfoundland and Labrador
Federation of Agriculture to hold a Media Workshop. Farmers learned how to
prepare for a media interview, how to deal with reporters, and what to do and
say in an interview.
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Board Development Growth Seminar
Funding was provided to the Newfoundland & Labrador
Federation of Agriculture to hold a Board Development Growth Seminar. Directors
from various agricultural associations attended to learn the responsibilities
and role of being a board director, the legal aspects of being a director, how
to hold effective meetings, and to learn about group problem solving and
decision making. The aim of the workshop was to increase the effectiveness of
directors and to strengthen the agricultural associations.
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Computer Training
Funding was provided to farmers for on-farm training in
computerized accounting. Funding of 75% to a maximum of $750/farm was available
for farmers to hire a computer specialist/bookkeeper to train them how to set up
and use a computerized accounting software package.
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Financial and Succession Planning Workshop
A one day Financial and Succession Planning Workshop was held
on March 18 in Gander. A Financial Planner led farmers through a workshop
designed to answer questions about retirement income needs, setting goals for
retirement and how to diversify off-farm investments. Following this, a lawyer
and an accountant presented the legal and tax considerations of succession
planning. The workshop wrapped-up with a panel discussion involving all speakers
providing an opportunity for farmers to address their succession planning
concerns. The workshop was held in conjunction with the Newfoundland and
Labrador Federation of Agriculture's Annual General Meeting.
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Round Table Forum for the Vegetable Industry
A Round Table Forum on the Vegetable Industry was held in March
to provide an opportunity for farmers to make a positive contribution to the
development of the vegetable sector. Farmers worked cooperatively with
wholesalers/retailers to develop action plans to promote the strengths and
overcome the weaknesses of the provincial industry. The forum provided an
opportunity to take advantage of new market opportunities and improve the
viability of the vegetable sector.
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Round Table Forum for the Wild Fruit Sector
A Round Table Forum on the Wild Fruit Industry was held in
March to bring together stakeholders to develop action plans to improve the wild
fruit industry. Newfoundland is Canada's largest producer of wild
partridgeberries and there is significant opportunity for expansion. As well,
the wild blueberry industry required planning to take advantage of growth in the
value added sector and the fresh fruit market. The forum provided an opportunity
for farmers to better manage the industry and work towards future growth and
prosperity.
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