Business Innovations Will Grow Agriculture Industry, Op-ed

The following is an op-ed piece by Agriculture Minister John MacDonell.

The Department of Agriculture helps Nova Scotia farmers and producers come up with fresh ways of doing business. One of the best ways is helping add value to what they already produce.

I'm sure people have heard the term value added. It means different things to different people, but in this case it boils down to having our farm and fish business owners developing products that compete on value, instead of just price.

There are many ways to increase the value of the agricultural and agri-food products we produce in Nova Scotia, from processing to packaging, labeling and creating unique, innovative goods. Our agriculture and seafood industries are extremely well-positioned to take advantage of these kinds of business opportunities.

Many local and regional producers are already adding value to what they produce. Blueberries are being turned into premium blueberry juice for export, a wide range of home and beauty products are being made from lavender grown in Nova Scotia and specialty artisian cheeses are being made by hand.

Value-added products can generate a greater return on investment and are an excellent opportunity for research and collaboration. They lead to economic growth and a greater diversity of products offered to consumers.

Like any business venture, there is risk involved. A successful value-added product requires input from marketing, production, regulation and food science and safety experts.

Staff in the department's product and quality development division offer guidance with the strategy needed to take advantage of new opportunities. These growth areas also require solid management, a well-developed business plan and financial commitment.

Our experts know about consumer and market trends, product innovation and where to find the expertise farm and fish businesses need to make good decisions. They are creating useful tools such as a food processor's guide, an entrepreneurs' forum for agri-food and seafood commercialization, workshops and an inventory of processing capacities to match availability with need.

Connecting businesses with potential partners and helping farmers generate greater profits are two key themes of Homegrown Success, the government's 10-year agriculture strategy. It will help make sure our agriculture industry stays innovative focuses on research and continues to diversify.

There are many opportunities for those who are willing to do things differently. I encourage anyone who wants information about value-added agriculture or fish products, and the financial and business planning involved, to contact the Department of Agriculture.

By adding value, we ensure we are getting the most from our agricultural resources and that those benefits stay in Nova Scotia.