Minister Pleased with Assistance

Agriculture and Marketing Minister Ed Lorraine today said he was pleased that the federal government has approved $900 million in assistance for farmers over the next two years.

"I was pleased the announcement was made since we had been hearing about it for some time," said Mr. Lorraine. "It is difficult to comment until more details are provided. Our deputy minister and executive director of agricultural development will be in Ottawa for meetings early next week and I am hopeful more details will be forthcoming then."

In announcing its $20 million weather-related relief package on Nov. 18, the provincial government earmarked $6 million to assist Nova Scotia producers in joining a national income disaster program, should one be developed by the federal government. The federal government has proposed that the cost of such a program would be shared 60 per cent federally, 40 per cent provincially.

"We have set some money aside to help producers take advantage of such a program," said Mr. Lorraine. "We now have to meet with Ottawa and see what they are proposing for the $900 million, and work hard at making sure the needs of Nova Scotia farmers are met."