Growing space

Government makes more land available for agricultural development

The provincial government announced Tuesday it is making a sizeable amount of land available in the province for agricultural development.

A news release states that 12 additional agriculture areas of interest — totalling approximately 8,400 hectares — are up for grabs. Additional properties will be available in December.

“This brings the total area of land available to commercial farmers, part-time commercial farmers or new farmers to approximately 23,900 hectares,” the release states. “As additional land is identified and made available notices will be posted on the Department of Fisheries and Land Resources website.”

Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources Gerry Byrne said the increase in available land is in response to what the industry told the government was needed to expand the agriculture sector in Newfoundland and Labrador.

“Making more land available will help achieve our goal of food self-sufficiently and ensure new and current farmers and producers find new ways to expand and improve their businesses,” Byrne stated.

Last February the provincial government announced the identification of 62 areas of interest totalling approximately 64,000 hectares to support the agriculture industry.

Candidates interested in leasing and utilizing the land for agriculture will follow the request for proposals process. Unless otherwise indicated, the tenure will be a 50-year Crown land agriculture lease. Information packages can be downloaded from the provincial government’s website or requested through the Department of Fisheries and Land Resources.