Aquaculture & Farming in Newfoundland & Labrador: 20 Facts

Aquaculture & Farming in Newfoundland & Labrador: 20 Facts

RECENT POSTS

Aquaculture and Farming in Newfoundland & Labrador -- Facts & Statistics cover-01

Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) is a Canadian province rich in natural resources, particularly offshore oil and gas, fertile farmland, coastal waters, vast forests, and many minerals and metals. With such abundance, it’s no wonder that Newfoundland and Labrador’s farming and aquaculture sectors play a critical role in the provincial economy, employing Canadians across its landscapes.

Home to hundreds of farms and more than 400 coastal communities, farming and fishing are a way of life for many living in the province. Today, these sectors feed Canadian families and also help provide food security for our trade partners abroad. To celebrate Newfoundland and Labrador farmers and fishers, we’ve compiled several facts on their respective industries below. Also see:

10 Facts on Farming in Newfoundland & Labrador

#1 - Newfoundland & Labrador is home to more than 300 farms [1]

#2 - Newfoundland & Labrador’s agriculture sector is a $500 million industry, employing 6,500 people directly and indirectly year-round [4]

#3 - The province’s farms saw cash receipts of $163.9 million 2023, up 9.8% year-over-year [1]

#4 - NL was home to 10,800 dairy and beef cattle provincewide as of 2023 [1]

#5 - The province produced 47.3 million litres of milk in 2023, valued at $53.5 million [1]

#6 - NL was home to 2,900 sheep as of 2023, with 2,100 lambs born that same year [1]

#7 - Potatoes, turnips, carrots, cabbage, and pumpkins were Newfoundland and Labrador’s top five crops in 2023, accounting for 71% of all vegetable sales that year [1]

#8 - Newfoundland and Labrador’s most produced berries include strawberries (in terms of value), cranberries (by volume), and blueberries (largest production area) [1]

#9 - Newfoundland and Labrador’s largest agricultural commodities include dairy, chicken, eggs, greenhouse and nursery, and vegetables, in that order [1]

#10 - Historically speaking, farming in NL has faced challenges including the province’s geography, weather, and soil conditions, and is a large reason as to why its greenhouse and nursery sector is growing [5]

10 Facts on Aquaculture in Newfoundland & Labrador

#11 – NL’s seafood industry employed more than 17,000 people throughout 400 communities [7]

#12 – Additionally, NL’s fishing sector’s total estimated value was $1.4 billion in 2022, marking the eighth consecutive year that the value of seafood products surpassed $1 billion [7]

#13 – NL is home to 89 fish processing plants provincewide, providing valuable jobs and economic opportunities for Canadians [7]

#14 – NL’s seafood sector exports products to 40+ countries abroad, valued at $1.25 billion and weighing approximately 92,000 tonnes [7]

#15 – Historically, many of the ~300 coastal communities in NL have depended on fishing and aquaculture processing for their livelihoods [6]

#16 - With more than 29,000 kilometres of coastline, Newfoundland and Labrador’s aquaculture sector is strategically positioned to supply North American and European markets [6]

#17 - Atlantic Salmon is the main salmonid species cultured in Newfoundland and Labrador; the south coast region is the only part of the province suitable for salmonid culture as the bays and fiords are generally ice-free year-round [2]

#18 - Over 90% of jobs in NL’s salmon farming industry are challenging full-time occupations, requiring formal and on-the-job training to acquire the high skills needed for success [3]

#19 - NL’s steelhead trout are raised in Bay d’Espoir, located on the south coast of the island; this fjord-sculpted bay reaches far inland and provides crystal-clear salt water and freshwater inflows from the surrounding region, ideal for trout farming [2]

#20 - Notre Dam Bay, Green Bay, the Connaigre Peninsula, Bay d’Espoir, Fortune Bay, and Placentia Bay are all areas that offer opportunities for all segments of the aquaculture sector in NFL, with proven results for salmonids and mussels [2]

Let’s Support Canadian Fishers & Farmers

Canadian agriculture banner Canada Action

Canadian fishers and farmers play a vital role in Newfoundland & Labrador’s economy and food security, overcoming unique regional challenges to deliver high-quality products. By choosing to buy local while supporting their efforts, we can help sustain vibrant rural communities and promote a resilient future.

Let’s stand together to celebrate and strengthen these essential industries!

Join Us Today!

Join us on social media to learn more about how Canadian farmers and fishers are integral to our communities and the country as a whole!

 SOURCES:

1 - https://www.gov.nl.ca/farm-guide/interesting-facts-about-our-agriculture-industry/

2 - https://www.findnewfoundlandlabrador.com/invest/aquaculture/

3 - https://aquaculturenl.ca/

4 - https://www.findnewfoundlandlabrador.com/invest/agriculture/

5 - https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/96-325-x/2021001/article/00001-eng.htm

6 - https://investorrelations.gov.nl.ca/economic.aspx