18 Jan 2023 - The government is investing an additional $7.9 million to help local farmers grow more food and get it into more of the province’s largest kitchens.
“Buying local starts with growing local. That’s the foundation – and we need it to be strong,” said Agriculture Minister Greg Morrow. “This new investment will help farmers grow more and agri-businesses make more, and it paves the way for local products in our schools, hospitals, nursing homes and other facilities.”
The new $5-million Season Extension Enhancement Program will help support fruit and vegetable growers who invest in innovative and labor-saving technologies to extend their growing season, adapt to a changing climate and open new market opportunities. The program will build on the success of recent pilot programs like the Long Cane Raspberry Pilot, conducted in cooperation with commercial growers, Perennia Food and Agriculture and Horticulture Nova Scotia.
A new $2-million Local Food Advancement Program will help local producers and agri-businesses invest in equipment and technology to increase production either by expanding their current operations or by creating new value-add products.
The government is also dedicating $900,000 to help get more locally grown and produced food into large-scale kitchens through new pilots, like the one announced last week with continuing care provider Northwood.
Details on program opportunities will be available online in January. The initiatives support the government’s goal to have 20 percent of all food purchased in Nova Scotia be locally grown or produced by 2030.
Source:https://novascotia.ca