Good News Budget for Agriculture

Agriculture and Marketing Minister Ed Lorraine praised the province's 1998-99 budget, calling it a "good news budget for agriculture."

"The industry received good news on two fronts," said Mr. Lorraine. "This budget provides assistance for those producers hard hit by last year's severe weather and also provides funds to help the industry take advantage of the new and exciting opportunities offered by a global marketplace."

The Department of Agriculture and Marketing's budget was increased by more than $2 million -- to $34.3 million this fiscal year from $32.1 million in 1997-98.

"This is an agriculture-friendly budget," said Mr. Lorraine
"After several years of cuts, the government has shown its support and publicly reconfirmed its commitment to Nova Scotia's agriculture industry."

Agriculture budget highlights include:

• funding for a Loss Provision Program to assist farmers with weather-related losses in 1997 by providing interest relief on loans

• extension of the present safety net program, including the establishment of a sustainable development program for beef producers

• reinstatement of the Farmland Tax Exemption Program, effective April 1, 1998

• enhancement of the province's food inspection program through the transfer of food safety staff to Agriculture and Marketing from the Department of the Environment, consolidating food inspection services in one department

"The mission of my department is encouraging the development of a viable and sustainable agriculture and food industry for the betterment of Nova Scotians," said Mr. Lorraine. "Today's budget will help us fulfil this mission."