NB 1313
Oct. 6, 2005
FREDERICTON (CNB) - A partnership between the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) has led to the creation of the Biodiversity Enhancement Program to improve water quality and increase biodiversity on New Brunswick farms.
The announcement was made today by Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister David Alward, and DUC Manager of Atlantic Operations Dr. Mark Gloutney.
The program will give agricultural producers of the province access to technical and financial assistance for biodiversity projects such as wetland construction and restoration, beaver pond management, and wildlife flushing bars.
"Agricultural producers in New Brunswick are already investing significant resources in soil conservation and manure management projects and are doing their part to contribute to clean water and healthy habitat," Alward said. "The Biodiversity Enhancement Program will help position New Brunswick agricultural producers among the Canadian leaders in conservation farming."
"We have been talking to governments throughout the country about providing assistance to farmers who manage natural lands that benefit the public through wildlife production, clean water and clean air," Gloutney said. "Minister Alward is demonstrating national leadership in recognizing that resources spent on private lands through this new program have important public benefits."
The Agricultural Policy Framework signed by all provinces and the federal government puts new emphasis on environmental protection.
"This new partnership between our department and DUC is an example of how conservation groups and government at the provincial and federal levels can work directly with agricultural producers to achieve tangible results," the minister said.
Since 1938, DUC has conserved, restored and managed wetlands and their associated habitats for the benefit of North America's waterfowl. These habitats - nature's water filters - also benefit other wildlife and people.
In New Brunswick, DUC has 330 ongoing projects, has positively impacted 50,000 acres of habitat and has agreements with 660 landowners, many of which are with agricultural producers.
05/10/06
MEDIA CONTACTS: Alain Bryar, communications, Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture, 506 444-4218, alain.bryar@gnb.ca; Tom Duffy, Ducks Unlimited Canada, 902-569-4544, t_duffy@ducks.ca.
05/10/06