Groups sowing seeds for agriculture opportunities

The Codroy Valley (Newfoundland & Labrador) could be turning even greener over the next few years.

Small- and medium-scale agriculture is poised to see a renaissance and development groups are looking to help people enter the industry.

The Codroy Valley Farmers' Co-op is also planning to reestablish the farmer's market in a new location

Tim MacNeil, the new president of the co-op, said the group saw many older members leave in the past few years, so its goal is to find younger people to take up the torch.

Mr. MacNeil said the co-op isn't just for people who farm for a living. He has a couple acres where he grows potatoes, turnips and strawberries. Farming is not his day job, but selling crops at the farmers market did help him bring in extra cash.

He said the co-op is looking at a share model where members would invest some cash in the operation, which they could cash out at a later date.

The co-op hopes a new farmers' market location within sight of the Trans-Canada Highway will bring in tourists and travellers, as well as attracting locals.

Lynn MacArthur, economic development officer with the Marine and Mountain Zone Corporation (MMZC), said opening a new market likely won't happen right away. The plan is to show that interest in farming is there, and then to apply for funding to make the market a reality.

In order to promote farming, the MMZC and the Rural Secretariat are hosting a workshop on organic farming for 30 people tomorrow (Feb. 23) at the Mountain View Adventure Lodge.

"A lot of people are getting into organic farmingthere's been a lot of questions around what organic farming is," said Mrs. MacArthur. "Basically the workshop is for anyone who has any interest in organic farming, period."

There will also be a public meeting at the St. Ann's centre on March 15 for those who have an interest in the industry.

Mrs. MacArthur said last year's successful fall fair, which was held at the Codroy Valley Recreation Complex near Belanger Memorial School, will be held again this year.

The fair was a showcase for local farmers and artisans from all over the southwest coast.

The MMZC has applied for funding to create an agricultural awareness coordinator position at its office through the Growing Forward funding program. The corporation has also hired an agriculture consultant to do a report on the industry in the Codroy Valley.

Debbie Munden, executive director of the MMZC, said the report by AgraPoint consultants looks at opportunities, threats and challenges to the industry in Zones 9 and 10. The report is a joint project between the two zones and the Department of Natural Resources.

She said once the report is released this spring, the groups will have meetings to determine which recommendations are feasible and how to move forward on them.