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NEWS RELEASE (CNS923) -->> AGRICULTURE/MARKETING--NEW GAME
FARM REGULATIONS ESTABLISHED




AGRICULTURE/MARKETING--NEW GAME FARM REGULATIONS ESTABLISHED
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Exotic species of livestock such as wild boar, bison, ostrich,
emu and rhea are fast becoming a common sight on Nova Scotia's
farms. To date, 34 producers in the province have entered this
field of production to pursue new market opportunities.

The Department of Agriculture and Marketing has recently begun to
administer regulations for game farming in the province. These
new regulations will assist in establishing the commercial
farming of these unusual livestock species.

The new game farming regulations, which came into effect on
Sept. 1, 1996, establish standards for care and housing of game
animals and will ensure that such livestock are in good health
when they are imported into the province.

Agriculture and Marketing Minister Guy Brown has endorsed the new
regulations as an essential part of effectively launching this
new industry. "At this early stage of development of the
industry, it is important to have these regulations in place to
ensure that we have the proper facilities and healthy livestock
to build on," said Mr. Brown.

The new regulations will also enable licensed game farmers access
to the Livestock Health Services Program, which is administered
by the department. This program is designed to help livestock
producers across the province obtain veterinary services at
uniform prices.

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Contact: Michael Johnson  902-893-6527

trp                        Dec. 10, 1996 - 12:55 p.m.