(July 22, 2022) – Pleaman Forsey, PC Official Opposition Shadow Minister for Forestry and Agrifoods and MHA for Exploits, says delays forcing the closure of the Green Valley Beef abattoir is a lost opportunity for food security and shows a lack of action from Minister Bragg.

“The closure of this abattoir, which was projected to provide 10 percent of the province’s red meat supply, shows the Minister is not taking food security seriously. According to the developers, the project was far along and building almost complete when red tape from government prevented the business from getting up and running,” said Forsey.

“Environmental protection is important, but so are reasonable timelines and expectations from the provincial government. The loss of the abattoir would mean a major lost opportunity for food security, for
the local economy, and sends the wrong message to other businesses hoping to support food security in Newfoundland and Labrador.”

Forsey says the delays and bureaucracy are being felt throughout the local agrifood industry. The financial pressures on farmers in this province have been building for years, says Forsey.

“We know of several instances where Liberal Government red tape and carelessness have led to the waste of both taxpayer and private resources,” said Forsey.

“Citizens who want to produce their own food hit delay after delay at the hands of Government until they can no longer afford to continue. Often times they are out of business before they can even start. This isnot how you create food security.”

According to a 2021 study by the University of Toronto, food insecurity in Newfoundland and Labrador has gotten worse in recent years.

The Minister is relying on pre pandemic policies and projects that bolster numbers, and look good on paper, but fail the farmers of Newfoundland and Labrador.

“What we would like to see is a real cohesive and streamlined plan to enable new and existing farmers to do what they do best,” said Forsey.

“Times like this demand real action. The people of our province need real food security and it’s time for the Minister to do his job.”

-30-

Contacts:

Denise Tubrett

Chief of Staff

(cell) 709-725-2594

denisetubrett@gov.nl.ca