Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security
Government of the Republic of Newfoundland
Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security
Advancing sustainable agriculture and ensuring food security for all Newfoundlanders
Mission Statement
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is dedicated to fostering a resilient agricultural sector that ensures food security, promotes sustainable farming practices, and supports rural communities across Newfoundland. We work to develop policies and programs that strengthen local food production, enhance agricultural innovation, and protect our agricultural heritage while adapting to our unique climate and geographic challenges.
Key Priorities
Food Security
Ensuring all Newfoundlanders have access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food through increased domestic production and strategic planning.
Sustainable Farming
Promoting environmentally responsible agricultural practices that protect our land, waters, and natural resources for future generations.
Rural Development
Supporting rural communities and farming families through infrastructure investment, training programs, and economic development initiatives.
Agricultural Innovation
Advancing research and technology to improve crop yields, livestock health, and farming efficiency in our northern climate.
Agricultural Sectors
Crop Production
Newfoundland’s agricultural sector focuses on crops suited to our northern maritime climate:
- Root Vegetables: Potatoes, carrots, turnips, beets, and parsnips thrive in our soil
- Hardy Greens: Cabbage, kale, lettuce, and other cold-tolerant vegetables
- Berries: Blueberries, partridgeberries, bakeapples (cloudberries), and strawberries
- Greenhouse Production: Extended growing seasons for tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and herbs
- Forage Crops: Hay and silage for livestock feed
Livestock & Dairy
Our livestock sector supports local food production and rural livelihoods:
- Beef Cattle: Grass-fed operations across the island
- Dairy: Milk, cheese, and dairy product production
- Sheep & Goats: Meat and wool production
- Poultry: Chicken and egg production
- Emerging Sectors: Bison, deer farming, and specialized livestock
Aquaculture
As an island nation, aquaculture is integral to our food security strategy:
- Atlantic salmon farming in coastal waters
- Blue mussel and oyster cultivation
- Sea cucumber and sea urchin harvesting
- Seaweed farming for food, agriculture, and biotechnology
- Integration with traditional fishing industries
Programs & Support
Farm Support Programs
- Farm Start-Up Program: Grants and low-interest loans for new farmers
- Equipment Assistance: Subsidies for purchasing modern farm equipment
- Land Improvement: Support for drainage, fencing, and soil enhancement
- Crop Insurance: Protection against weather damage and crop failure
- Disaster Relief: Emergency assistance for severe weather events
Research & Extension Services
- Soil testing and fertility analysis
- Pest and disease identification and management
- Climate adaptation strategies and cold-hardy variety testing
- Best practices training and farm management workshops
- Demonstration plots and field days
Market Development
- Local Food Procurement: Supporting institutional purchases of local products
- Farmers’ Markets: Infrastructure and promotional support
- Export Development: Market access programs for Atlantic Canada
- “Newfoundland Grown” Branding: Marketing campaigns promoting local food
- Direct-to-Consumer: Support for farm gate sales and CSA programs
Food Security Strategy
Given Newfoundland’s geographic isolation and climate challenges, food security is a critical national priority:
Domestic Production Capacity
- Increasing land under cultivation through land clearing and drainage programs
- Expanding greenhouse infrastructure for year-round production
- Supporting new farmer entry and succession planning
- Investing in processing and storage facilities
Strategic Food Reserves
- Maintaining emergency grain and food stocks
- Cold storage capacity for perishables
- Coordination with emergency management services
Supply Chain Resilience
- Diversifying food import sources and suppliers
- Strengthening ferry and air cargo connections
- Supporting regional food hubs and distribution centers
- Reducing waste throughout the supply chain
Community Food Programs
- Supporting community gardens and urban agriculture initiatives
- School nutrition programs and farm-to-school connections
- Food bank partnerships and surplus food recovery
- Ensuring nutritious food access for vulnerable populations
Climate Adaptation
Newfoundland’s agriculture must adapt to changing climate conditions:
- Developing cold-hardy and disease-resistant crop varieties
- Implementing soil conservation and carbon sequestration practices
- Managing increased precipitation and soil moisture challenges
- Adapting to longer growing seasons and new pest pressures
- Supporting renewable energy adoption on farms (wind, solar, biomass)
Contact
Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security
Agriculture Building
308 Brookfield Road
St. John’s, NL A1E 2S3
General Inquiries:
Phone: (709) 729-6880
Email: agriculture@gov.nf.ca
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Farm Support Services: (709) 729-6895
Extension Services: (709) 729-6910
Emergency Farm Assistance: 1-800-563-FARM (3276)