FREDERICTON (GNB) – The public is being invited to participate in the development of an agricultural land policy.
“Our government believes in a healthy and diverse agricultural sector to support vibrant rural communities and create jobs,” said Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister Rick Doucet. “A clear agricultural land policy will help us retain and develop New Brunswick's rich farmland, help farmers be more successful and support the viability of the sector. We also want to ensure we strike the right balance between farmland preservation and non-farm development.”
Comments can be submitted online until Dec. 31. Interested parties can also visit an upcoming open house session in their area to meet with departmental officials and provide their input:
- Nov. 9, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., department regional office, 824 Route 108, Saint-Andre;
- Nov. 10, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., department regional office, 1425 King Av., Bathurst;
- Nov. 12, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., department regional office, 381 Killam Dr., Moncton;
- Nov. 18, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Fredericton Inn, 1315 Regent St., Fredericton;
- Nov. 24, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., department regional office, 701 Main St., Sussex;
- Nov. 26, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Potato Development Centre, 39 Barker Ln., Wicklow.
“Just five per cent of the land in the province is used for agriculture, so it is vitally important that we protect the land most suited for this sector,” said Doucet. “We have the potential to increase our agricultural output, creating more jobs which in turn improves the quality of life for families in our rural communities, and strengthens our economy. That is why I encourage those interested to participate in the development of this important policy.”
The province’s agricultural sector generates more than $570 million in farm gate receipts and more than $1 billion in processed agri-food products annually. In 2013, agri-food exports amounted to more than $380 million. Together, New Brunswick farmers and processors provide 11,000 full-time equivalent jobs.
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