New Program to Help Nova Scotia Farmers

A program that provides Nova Scotia farmers with compensation for damage to crops and livestock caused by wildlife was announced today, May 8, by Agriculture Minister Brooke Taylor.

"The Wildlife Compensation Program will go a long way to help address some of the risks experienced by Nova Scotia farmers," said Mr. Taylor. "The agriculture industry asked for this type of program and the province, working with the industry, was able to address their concerns.

"It is our intent to help agriculture businesses by continuing to make timely and effective insurance products available in response to changing industry needs."

The program will be cost-shared by the federal and provincial governments under the Agricultural Policy Framework.

It provides assistance to Nova Scotia farmers who experience damage to eligible agricultural products because of the activities of wildlife. Eligible products include beehives, plants, trees and vines grown as commercial crops, and livestock, excluding fowl, raised for agricultural purposes. Applicants are not required to have crop insurance.

Avard Bentley is chair of the Nova Scotia Crop and Livestock Insurance Commission, which will administer the program.

"The commission welcomes the addition of this program -- a first in Atlantic Canada –- which will build upon the risk-management options currently available through our insurance-based programs," said Mr. Bentley.

The commission also offers insurance on 35 crops as well as livestock.

Details on the Wildlife Compensation Program are available through the Nova Scotia Crop and Livestock Insurance Commission at 1-800-565-6371, on the department website at www.gov.ns.ca/agri or through the Department of Agriculture's regional offices.

FOR BROADCAST ONLY:

Agriculture Minister Brooke Taylor announced today, (May

8th) a program that provides Nova Scotia farmers with

compensation for damage to crops and livestock caused by wildlife.

Mr. Taylor says the program will go a long way to help

farmers address some of the risks they experienced.

The program is cost-shared by the federal and provincial

governments and provides assistance to Nova Scotia farmers who

experience damage to eligible agricultural products due to the

activities of wildlife.

Details on the Wildlife Compensation Program are available

through the Nova Scotia Crop and Livestock Insurance Commission

at 1-800-565-6371 or by going to the Department of Agriculture

website at W-W-W dot gov dot N-S dot C-A slash A-G-R-I .