Support from the Provincial Government will assist in promoting food sustainability throughout Newfoundland and Labrador through local companies such as Birchbark Farm (Birchbark Capital Corporation) and SucSeed. The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology today announced support for the two companies.
Birchbark Farm began operations more than two years ago. Based in Pasadena, Birchbark is a market garden, small-scale intensive farm currently offering leafy greens, microgreens, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, celery, etc. to the local marketplace. To assist in the development of its market presence, Birchbark is approved for a non-repayable $19,500 contribution from the Provincial Government’s Business Development Support Program (BDSP).
SucSeed is a social enterprise based in St. John’s that brings hydroponics into classrooms, homes and communities as it works to improve food security and promote environmentally sustainable ways of growing food. To assist in marketing efforts and to target new initiatives through growth within classrooms across Canada, SucSeed is approved for $104,000 from the BDSP. The enterprise is focused on its long-term goal of expanding food production in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Local farms and hydroponics are crucial for food security within Newfoundland and Labrador. By supporting local farming projects, the Provincial Government is creating demand and opportunities for producers in the future through development, succession and new farmers, and improving food self-sufficiency in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Quotes
“Whether it’s at the local market or at home, food producers contribute to economic development in Newfoundland and Labrador. Local producers take their responsibility to consumers seriously – supporting a local producer who is providing a safe, quality product is mutually beneficial.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology
“Ensuring fresh, local food is readily available right here at home has never been more important. By supporting food producers and exploring new, innovative ways to improve and expand local food production, we are meeting our commitment to increase food self-sufficiency in fruit and vegetable production in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
“Birchbark Farm is very pleased that the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology views food self-sufficiency and sustainable agriculture practices to be extremely important to our province of Newfoundland and Labrador. We are already feeling the effects of a global food system that is in crisis. Local family farms which use regenerative methods can produce healthy food in our province for years to come. Initiatives like the Business Development Support Program will help Birchbark Farm increase its market presence in offerings of healthy and fresh food to the residents of this great province.”
Richard Butt
Owner, Birchbark Farm
“We are incredibly thankful for this support from the provincial government. Their team has been great to work with through the application process. This funding will allow us to reach more students across Canada and empower them to learn about sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship. Thanks to the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology we will be able to grow even more in 2022.”
Emily Bland
CEO, SucSeed
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Media contacts
Kelly-Anne Roberts
Industry, Energy and Technology
709-729-5248, 327-7005
kelly-anneroberts@gov.nl.ca
Linda Skinner
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
709-637-2284, 632-8167
LindaSkinner@gov.nl.ca
Richard Butt
Owner, Birchbark Capital Corporation
709-640-7653
birchbarkfarm@outlook.com
Emily Bland
CEO, SucSeed
emily@sucseed.ca