St. John’s, NL (February 7, 2025) – Pleaman Forsey, MHA for Exploits and Progressive Conservative Shadow Minister for Forestry and Agriculture, is calling on the Furey Liberal government to take real action to support farmers and strengthen secondary food processing in Newfoundland and Labrador.

"The vast majority of our food comes from outside the province. With growing concerns about international trade disruptions, now more than ever, we must invest in food security here at home," said Forsey. "Our local farmers work hard to feed our communities, yet they continue to face unnecessary barriers because of Liberal inaction."

Forsey criticized the Furey Liberals for only now awakening to the importance of buying local, something that should have been a priority all along.

"The Furey Liberals have ignored the need to strengthen local food production for too long. Supporting local food producers should have always been a focus, not just an afterthought when faced with international uncertainty," Forsey stated. "Yet the Furey Liberals still have an opportunity to take real action by now investing in secondary food production and helping local products become more available.”

One key step the Furey Liberals should take immediately is facilitating the establishment of a federally regulated slaughterhouse. Without such a facility, local beef producers are restricted in their ability to access national grocery chains, limiting their market opportunities and the availability of locally raised beef for Newfoundland and Labrador residents.

"A federally regulated slaughterhouse would be a game-changer for our province’s beef industry," added Forsey. "It would open doors for local producers, create jobs, and increase food security by keeping more of our food supply within the province.”

“If the Premier truly wants to help people buy local, he must help farmers and food producers tear down the barriers they face in putting their products on shelves,” concluded Forsey.

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