"The Harper Government is committed to helping farmers find new markets, adapt to current economic challenges and to make their businesses more efficient to boost our economy today and for the long term," said Minister Ritz. "These Economic Action Plan investments will grow Nova Scotia’s and the Atlantic region’s agricultural innovation and increase their capacity for long-term prosperity."
"Across the province, our agricultural industry contributes to vibrant communities and economies, and produces quality food for all Canadians," said Nova Scotia’s Agriculture Minister John MacDonell. "By investing in these projects, we are demonstrating our commitment to help the industry grow through innovative and sustainable practices."
With an investment of $1.3 million under the Growing New Opportunities through Integrated Value Chains Initiative, West Nova Agro-Commodities is setting up a small-scale grass pellet and briquette plant in Lawrencetown, Nova Scotia, owned by local farmers and landowners in Annapolis County. Serving as a template for similar innovative enterprises in other rural regions of the Atlantic, hay is to be sourced from local farmers, processed into grass pellets and briquettes at the new plant and then delivered to industrial, residential and retail consumers.
"This plant will source local hay, process it locally, and supply local markets," said Jonathan McClelland, Manager West Nova Agro-Commodities. "This initiative has the ability to create new markets for many small and medium-sized farms while providing an affordable heating fuel to customers without the volatility associated with petroleum-based fuels."
The two governments are also making an investment of $2.1 million for the establishment of the Atlantic Centre for Agricultural Innovation in Truro (now called the Perennia Innovation Centre) that helps farmers get new ideas off the ground through a range of programs and services, including business mentorship and coaching.
A third investment, the Collaborate to Compete Initiative, provides over $2.1 million to improve on and post-farm profitability by developing new specialty beef products that meet consumer needs.
These investments of over $5.5 million are being made from the Agricultural Flexibility Fund, part of the Economic Action Plan, which supports agriculture as a core economic driver and focuses on strengthening the sector’s competitiveness. The Next Phase of the Economic Action Plan will remain focused on strengthening the economy, while working towards returning to balanced budgets and securing Canada’s economic future.
For more information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
For more information, media may contact:
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
Meagan Murdoch
Director of Communications
The Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059
Adèle Poirier
Communications Advisor
Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture
902-424-8258
poiriea@gov.ns.ca
