Direct Marketing Vendors Receive Funding

Nova Scotians will have easier access to fresh, local products with an investment in 11 agri-food direct-marketing initiatives.

Agriculture Minister John MacDonell announced today, Oct. 22, $602,000 in funding to help strengthen local, direct-marketing infrastructure and development initiatives.

"We continue to work with the agri-food industry to market and promote quality, local food directly to consumers," said Mr. MacDonell. "These projects provide innovative, direct-marketing opportunities for producers while helping to create good jobs and grow the economy."

The funding will allow:

• Taste of Nova Scotia, Halifax Regional Municipality, to develop a direct marketing, promotion and distribution program for quality Nova Scotia specialty agri-foods
• Truro Farmers' Market in Truro, Colchester Co., to renovate and convert the Old Truro Fire Hall into a modern, permanent location for the market
• Winery Association of Nova Scotia, Halifax Regional Municipality, to develop, market and promote Nova Scotia's wine industry to local consumers and visitors
• Cape Breton Farmers' Market Co-operative in Sydney to expand its infrastructure and capacity for local vendors
• Cumberland Regional Economic Development Association, Cumberland Co., to lead a community-based initiative to enhance the Amherst and Springhill Farmers' Markets
• New Glasgow Riverfront Farmers' Market in New Glasgow, Pictou Co., to establish a permanent farmers' market venue
• Fearann Kisha Farm (Wandering Shepherd Cheese) in Huntington, Cape Breton Co., to construct a milking parlor and processing facility to produce and market value-added sheep milk and cheese products
• Selwood Green in Walton, Hants Co., to upgrade the farm's facilities and capacity to service a growing demand from local consumers for its products
• Whycocomagh Bayside Holdings Ltd. in Whycocomagh, Inverness Co., to upgrade the operations, facilities and property to better position their direct farm market
• Wilmot Station Quality Produce Ltd. of Wilmot, Annapolis Co., to build and develop a farm market to sell local agri-food products
• Ecology Action Centre, Halifax Regional Municipality, to support workshops, materials and other initiatives to promote the distribution and consumption of local agri-foods

The funds are provided through the Direct Marketing Community Development Trust Fund, which aims to increase consumer access to local products and help agriculture businesses sell more directly to consumers. The fund is supported by the Community Development Trust Fund, a $34.9-million program, established in 2008 by the federal government to help communities and sectors experiencing economic challenges.