The construction of the Department of Agriculture's new headquarters on Hope Road, St John's is officially underway!

Agriculture minister Phil Gawne turned the first sod at the site of the ?5.3 million eco-building, which should be operational by 2010.

Auldyn Construction is the main contractor for the project and preparatory work is currently being carried out.

DAFF says the design of the building has been driven by the location and the current sustainable design for offices in the United Kingdom.

It will be constructed mainly from natural materials so it appears to blend into the surrounding landscape, and raised on stilts to protect it from any flood risk associated with the nearby river.

(Picture: DAFF minister Phil Gawne cuts the first sod at the start of the ?5.3 million pounds project).