BEAVER BROOK, N.S. — The provincial and federal governments are investing $46.25 million over a five-year period to help address challenges faced in Nova Scotia’s agricultural industry.
The announcement was made at the Stokdijk Greenhouses on May 9 by Kings-Hants MP Kody Blois and provincial Agriculture Minister Greg Morrow. Funding will be provided through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).
“Last year, there was over $750 million in sales delivered by Nova Scotia farmers,” said Bloise during the announcement. “I think it might be the third largest export market in Nova Scotia next to tires and seafood, and it creates thousands of jobs across the province.
“Whether it’s home-grown apples in Annapolis Valley, or the wine sector. Whether it’s the greenhouse sector in Colchester County, dairy throughout the province, beef … suffice to say, the agriculture sector here in Nova Scotia is thriving, and it matters across the province, but indeed it matters in rural communities.”
The joint funding agreement marks a 25 per cent increase from the last Sustainable CAP agreement, which invested $37 million over five years. The cost is shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially for province-delivered programs.
The last agreement ended on March 31, 2023. This new agreement came into effect on April 1 and will last until March 31, 2028.
Programs for farmers
This funding will go to programs that farmers can access via the province’s website and through the federal website.
These programs are to keep Nova Scotia’s agriculture competitive, pursue research and innovation, further develop markets and public trust in food safety, as well as adapt to the looming effects of climate change.
“We’ve developed programs under this agreement that will help farmers in several ways,” said Morrow at the podium. “Help them build new market opportunities. Help them adopt new and innovative technologies. Help offset rising production costs — that’s a major concern — and help them with challenges around climate change.
“Through more than a dozen new programs, we’re helping farmers buy new value-added equipment, farm technologies, and clean energy tools. We’re helping them bring students on farms to help with their labour needs. We’re helping with environmental stewardship by supporting fencing and water management.”
Funding will also go to support four business risk management programs that are already underway; AgriStability, AgriInsurance, AgriInvest, and AgriRecovery. These programs are meant to help farmers manage any risks that threaten the viability of their farms.
The AgriStability program saw a boost due to the Sustainable CAP funding. Protecting farmers from declines in income, it now provides compensation of 80 per cent. It previously provided compensation of 70 per cent.
Information on risk management programs can be found on the provinces’ website.
As the announcement was coming to a close, Kimberly Stokdijk of Stokdijk Greenhouses gave her thanks to Bloise and Morrow.
“You both have been outspoken advocates for our industry, and we appreciate the work you do to support hard-working farmers in our province. It’s been a pleasure having you both visit us today.”
Source : Saltwire