A draft Wild Berry Strategy has been completed and highlights the following topics; resource assessment, markets, access, research and development, survey work, mobilization of the harvest, storage, opportunities and supply and demand. The plan of both zone 4&5 was to implement a project that would thoroughly address many of the challenges facing wild berry development. A Pilot project was attempted this summer to engage local unemployed individuals to pick berries, properly document activity to test for EI eligibility. Several meetings have taken place with partners; research has proven the merit of putting in place new initiatives to support the growth of this industry.

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Regional Economic Development Boards in Zone 4 & 5 have identified Wildberry's as an economic growth opportunity that will create much needed employment. First step to industry development is establishing a method to harvest berries. "If enthusiasm is any indication of success, we believe we have the group of people to make this happen this Season", states Roxanne.

With a land mass of over 40,000 KM2 there is sufficient land for agriculture development. The fur farming potential was discussed at the board table; industry orientation workshops were delivered and interest in the sector grew. In consideration of climate, vegetation and the traditional skills of hunting and fur trading the fur farming industry seemed to be an ideal alternative in helping diversify the local economy. In response to increased inquires about how to start up a fur farm, a forum was organized and facilitated by SADC to bring all the key resource personnel together. One business had already begun operations; a professional business plan was created with support from several government agencies. The board and staff of SADC understood the value of this industry to the region, and the enormous potential for new jobs. The Aleutian Disease was unheard of until it impacted the local farm, and raised alarms throughout the industry. However, it was considered a manageable problem and with help from government there was a great deal of hope that the problem would be addressed.

Parallel to disease control the one business in the region strongly requested that efforts be put in place to secure a feed kitchen to help reduce overhead cost and encourage new fur farming businesses. The zone helped with plans to establish a steering committee that would be tasked with the responsibility to establish the Labrador Feed Kitchen Cooperative. A proposal was submitted to hire a consultant to develop a Business Plan for a Co-operative Feed Kitchen in Southern Labrador. The SADC and partners coordinated a round table/conference call with key stakeholders on April 23rd, 2008 to help the existing operator and find solutions to current problems that are prohibiting future expansion of this industry.

There have always been an abundance of peat moss deposits throughout the Zone 4 region. Because the deposits were remote it was deemed not feasible in 1997. Research in 2005 however showed new potential as a result of access via Trans Labrador Highway. The largest bogs were in the Sandwich Bay area, consequently the rationale for a development strategy for that area. The Zone partnered with the Eagle River Development Association to hire a consultant to evaluate the potential; identify opportunities and determine best practices/strategy for development. The SADC helped with several preliminary studies and promoted the opportunity extensively throughout the region.

The closure of the Stephenville Mill adversely affected the biggest forestry operation in the region. A business that at one time employed up to 30 people today employs one – two people. The board works closely with operators and is also keeping abreast with the strategy outlined in the Best Options for Labrador Wood. The idea of a wood pellet plant was pitched throughout the region, but at this time there are no potential private investors forthcoming. It is noteworthy to mention that talks to establish a wood pellet plant between forest operators are currently ongoing on the Northern Peninsula.