Fruit Growers Receive Support for Industry Development

AGRICULTURE/FISHERIES--Fruit Growers Receive Support for Industry Development

The Nova Scotia apple industry will explore new product opportunities with the help of a $150,000 fund. Chris d'Entremont, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, announced the fund today, Nov. 25.

"This initiative is a great example of government, industry and the research community working together to find new economic development opportunities," said Mr. d'Entremont. "This funding will help determine future research and development for the apple industry."

"The Nova Scotia Fruit Growers' Association's Industry Vitalization Program uses a business approach to moving the industry into a sustainable future," said Geoff Hennigar, association president.

The funds will be used to analyse potential market opportunities for apple products and assess relevant economic and business trends that will influence future development of the Nova Scotia apple industry.

"Renewal of our agricultural sector requires creative solutions. This project links science and innovation with economic development," said Mr. d'Entremont.

This two-year project was funded through the New Opportunities Business Development and Investment Initiative of the Renewal Chapter of the Agricultural Policy Framework.

The framework is a co-operative agreement between the federal and provincial governments, designed to provide programming in five key areas: food safety and quality; science and innovation; skills and renewal; the environment; and the management of business risks on the farm. Both levels of government have agreed to provide $4.2 million to support renewal initiatives, including: support for business planning; feasibility studies; research to identify new opportunities; and support for knowledge and skills development.