New Agri-Food Innovation Award Announced

A new Agri-Food Innovation Award encourages Nova Scotia farm entrepreneurs to creatively address business challenges on the farm.

Agriculture Minister Brooke Taylor announced the new award today, Nov. 29.

"This is a new initiative for the Department of Agriculture to assist producers who are looking at innovative and unique ways to diversify or expand their operation," said Mr. Taylor. "The award is one way we can invest in an entrepreneur who needs some assistance to move their proposal forward."

Valued at up to $10,000, the award can be used to plan and develop the applicant's proposal or it can be put towards a number of programs and services such as consultants, investigative travel, personal development or business development opportunities.

"We have a well developed agriculture industry in Nova Scotia but there are certainly more opportunities for the sector to grow," said Mr. Taylor. "This is one way we are encouraging producers to look at new ways of doing business and developing it."

The application form and a written description of the project idea must be submitted by Feb. 15, 2008 to the Department of Agriculture. More information is available at www.gov.ns.ca/agri/bde or 902-893-6580.

This project is funded through the renewal chapter of the Canada-Nova Scotia Agricultural Policy Framework Agreement.