The total area of crop land is 185,940 hectares. The production of dairy products, red meats, poultry and eggs is an important contributor to the agricultural industry. The Province is self-sufficient in fluid milk and also supports the dairy processing industry through its 380 dairy operations. Hog production is increasing, and is projected to approach 180,000 animals in 1999. These crops support the livestock industry in New Brunswick.
Potatoes are the leading cash crop in New Brunswick's agriculture.
There are 400 potato farms in the Province cultivating 23,000 hectares annually. New Brunswick has 350 vegetable farms having in excess of 2,300 hectares under production. By far the largest land area involved in horticulture production is the wild blueberry industry which covers approximately 7,200 hectares. A new cranberry industry is developing with 35 hectares already in production and more being developed. Statistics on manufacturing activity indicate that there are 177 agri-food processing firms in the Province employing approximately 5,700 people.