The department works with industry, government departments and regional economic development boards to help economic growth and diversification in the agrifoods sector. Particular attention is given to value-added and secondary processing opportunities. In 2006, total farm cash receipts in Newfoundland and Labrador grew 5.3% to $96.0 million. The Supply Managed sectors (Dairy, Chicken and Eggs) account for 75% of the production value. The Food and Beverage manufacturing industry, excluding sea-foods, has grown 18% over the last three years to $366.8 million.

Sectoral development activities include:
   participation in the development of a vegetable industry strategy;
   working with the fur strategy steering committee to implement key
      recommendations within the industry strategy such as investment             attraction, capacity building and training.
    working with stakeholders to implement the Cranberry                               Commercialization Strategy. Areas of focus include investment             attraction, research and development, industry expansion and                   strengthening processing capacity;
   participation with a steering committee to develop an action plan for
      innovation and commercialization of bakeapples, lingonberries and
      sea buckthorn (Northern Berry Initiative);
   Working with industry associations, revelant government                        departments/agencies, and academia to identify and support training       needs of the agrifoods sector; and
   Working with stakeholders to support life science and other                   diversification opportunities within the sector.

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