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The Fur industry is cyclical in nature with prices peaking in the early 80's and
dropping in the early 90's. Fox and mink are the mainstays of today's fur industry,
with some production of lynx and chinchilla. In 2001, there were 19 fox farms, 2 mink
farms, 7 mixed farms in the province. (Mixed farming includes any combination of blue
fox, silver fix, mink & chinchilla, lynx and pine marten.) The majority of farms are small
family run operations. Low pelt prices in the last decade have stimulated research in
alternative feeds, selective breeding and have improved husbandry skills.
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Industry Opportunity and Challenges
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The fur industry has opportunities in the province.
The Central Feed Kitchen Inc.
was established in November 2001 supplying the local and Mainland Fur Industries
with feedstuffs. Raw waste products and local grains can be utilized as feedstuffs.
Secondary processing of fur products has created employment in rural areas. Weather
conditions in this province are conducive to the raising of furbearers. There are
opportunities to diversify species and colors within species and export opportunities
of superior Blue Fox and Silver Fox breeding stock. Fur farming can be combined with
other rural enterprises as well.
 The fur industry also has challenges in this province. The high cost of feed
ingredients and rations from mainland sources must continue to be addressed. Fur
producers are very vulnerable to wide price fluctuations for their products and to
external grading and marketing systems at international auction houses. Global
constraints include evolving fashion trends and warm winters; periodic oversupply
of pelts on world markets; animal rights movement and the related negative perception.
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