Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, northern agriculture is a success story waiting to happen, and residents of the Deh Cho want to be part of the localfood movement that is enhancing the health and sustainability of our communities.
Mr. Speaker, [English translation not provided].
Mr. Speaker, an enterprising resident of Fort Providence wants to put locally produced food on the shelves at northern grocery stores. He is trying to spearhead an initiative that would eventually see locally grown produce in our stores all year. With support from the Northern Farm Training Institute and community members, he is now developing a proposal to launch a greenhouse pilot project to grow produce year round. The concept could eventually be expanded to become a commercial operation in the future.
Mr. Speaker, greenhouse technology is advancing all the time. The Yukon Research Centre's Agridomes grow upwards of 600 plants throughout the winter months in 32 square feet of space, using as little as 1.9 kilowatts per hour. The University of Guelph is working with NASA in experimenting with the idea of growing food on Mars. They have taken interest in Fort Providence and want to build a prototype greenhouse in the NWT that could be monitored remotely from Guelph while local residents assist with daytoday operations.
Mr. Speaker, northern food production is nothing new. It is only since southern foods became more easily and cheaply imported that the local sector declined. Now, as food prices continue to climb and people are beginning to understand the benefits of local food production for the community and the planet, we are experiencing a resurgence of interest and enthusiasm for northern agriculture. Dollars are available for greenhouse projects like the one we want to see in the Deh Cho.
Mr. Speaker, action on the NWT Agriculture Strategy is long overdue. Northerners want to produce, process, sell, and enjoy locally grown food on their own plates. As the expression goes, the time is ripe. Let's make strategic investments in northern agriculture right away and reap the benefits in all of our communities. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Item 3, Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife Centre.
