Government Invests in Nova Scotia Agriculture Industry

Farmers and agri-food industries will be more competitive and profitable through new programs launched today, July 14.

The three-category $3.9 million Innovation Fund, cost-shared by the provincial and federal governments, will support research, innovations in marketing and developing new products as well as on-farm technology that boosts competitiveness.

"The new Innovation Fund supports and promotes market-oriented, consumer-driven initiatives," said Agriculture Minister John MacDonell. "We are investing in Nova Scotia farmers and agriculture businesses to ensure they are competitive and able to capture new market opportunities."

"Putting farmers first means using our resources and knowledge to help them find innovative ways to increase farm profits," said Canada's Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Gerry Ritz. "I am proud that we are working with all levels of government to deliver this innovation fund to Nova Scotia farmers."

The three categories of the Innovation Fund are:

• Technology Development 2000: For research activities that support new, leading agricultural technologies and knowledge to enhance competitiveness.

• Innovation and Commercialization of New Opportunities for Agri-Based Products: For near market-ready and pre-research technology that develop innovations, markets and business opportunities.

• Supporting the Innovation Capacity of Farmers: To develop or adapt technical innovations for on-farm profitability and competitiveness.

The Innovation Fund is part of Growing Forward, a new five-year, 60-40 cost-shared federal-provincial initiative to help position Canada's agriculture industry for success.

Program information and application forms are available at www.gov.ns.ca/agri/prm or by calling the Programs and Business Risk Management Office at 1-866-844-4276.