Click chart for enlargement
Photo: Newfoundland Aqua
Products Inc.
Food spices produced from kelp.
Photo: Newfoundland Aqua
Products Inc.
Processing of local kelp resource.
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AGRIFOODS
Sales of locally produced agrifoods such as poultry, dairy, and
floriculture and nursery products have risen in recent years as local
farmers have improved their marketing. In addition, as consumers become more
health conscious, producers are beginning to focus on emerging markets for
natural products such as organic foods, natural nutritional supplements and
medicinal herbs.
Farm cash receipts in the Province in 1999 reached $78 million, an
increase of 5.4% from 1998. Growth was broadly based, with substantial
increases in sales of cattle (27%), floriculture and nursery products (26%)
and dairy products (8%). Gardening is becoming more popular in the Province,
as evidenced by the 26% increase in sales of floriculture and nursery
products to $7.7 million in 1999.
Organic Product Development
Newfoundland and Labrador is recognized throughout the world as having a
pristine environment ideal for the production of organic products including
medicinal herbs and other nutraceuticals. Production of certified organic
foods is growing by over 20% per year in the United States due to increasing
concerns about the effects of fertilizers, pesticides and genetically
altered foods. Six organic farmers in the Province are certified as high
quality producers by the international Organic Crop Improvement Association
and another two are seeking certification.
The Province’s wide variety of trees, shrubs, weed herbs, vegetation,
ground covers, bog plants and seaweeds is allowing for the commercial
production of medicinal herbs and related products. One local company taking
advantage of this emerging market is Newfoundland Aqua Products Incorporated
(NAPI). Founded in 1996, NAPI manufactures a variety of certified organic
products including spices, nutritional supplements, and animal feed from the
Province’s abundant kelp resource. Kelp is an excellent source of
minerals, such as iodine. Iodine allows for the proper functioning of the
thyroid gland and aids in the treatment of obesity, heart disease and other
health problems. NAPI’s main product is Sea-Vite™ capsules which is the
only certified organic kelp nutritional supplement in North America. NAPI is
establishing marketing links with distributors across Canada and
internationally.
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