(March 18, 2023, St. John’s) – Pleaman Forsey, Shadow Minister for Forestry and Agriculture and MHA for Exploits, says farmers in Newfoundland and Labrador need support to grow, not more red tape to bog them down.

Forsey says as farmers prepare for warmer weather, he’s disappointed by recent examples of Crown Lands disputes disrupting business opportunities in our province.

“There are many examples throughout our province, but the troubles faced by Outport Acres on the Bonavista Peninsula show the difficulties faced through the broken Crown Lands process,” said Forsey.

“As a province, we need to work towards solutions to allow businesses to grow, not adding last-minute obstacles for them to work around.”

Forsey says the Crown Lands process should work toward solutions that benefit residents and proponents alike, not stand in the way of opportunity.

“Citizens who want to produce their own food encounter 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,” said Forsey.

“Farmers need support to enhance food security in Newfoundland and Labrador – they don’t need more red tape.”

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Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca