Orchard Renewal Program Receives Additional Funding

The province is assisting apple growers who plant more profitable varieties of apples with $200,000 in additional funding for the Orchard Renewal program.

The funding will allow more apple growers to replant orchards in 2009 with varieties such as honeycrisp, gala, and ambrosia. The varieties offer growers high rates of return in the marketplace.

"More than 129,000 apple trees have been planted in the province since this extremely successful program was launched five years ago," said Mark Parent, Minister of Agriculture. "Based on a strong strategy developed by the Fruit Growers Association and the tremendous response from industry, the association is working to emphasize the profitable aspects of several new varieties of apples."

The Honeycrisp Orchard Renewal Program began in 2005 with a commitment of $1.175 million. In 2008, the province contributed an additional $235,000 to meet the growers' demand.

"This program has allowed the apple industry to grow during an economically challenging period, and remain a leader in Canada," said Dela Erith, executive director of the Nova Scotia Fruit Growers' Association. "We have had great participation from industry and consumers are enjoying delicious new apple varieties."

The value of the apple industry in Nova Scotia is about $50 million. The sector, composed primarily of small and medium-sized enterprises in the agriculture and food industry, is well-positioned to grow local and export markets.