Continuing Support for Fruit Growers Affected by Extreme Cold
A Grand Prè vineyard in winter (Communications Nova Scotia / File)
Grape and other fruit growers still feeling the effects of the extreme cold weather in February 2023 can apply for funding through Phase 2 of the Polar Vortex Industry Recovery Program.
“We knew it would take a number of seasons for farmers to know how much damage was done,” said Agriculture Minister Greg Morrow. “During Phase 1 of the program, we were able to help over a hundred farmers. Now we’re launching Phase 2 to keep that support going as the spring season starts.”
The previous round of funding helped with increased maintenance costs for recovery of grapes, stone fruit, cranberries and other cold-sensitive crops. Phase 2 includes support for virus testing, plant materials and ongoing crop maintenance.
The Department is working with industry representatives and Horticulture Nova Scotia, which delivers the program, to meet growers’ needs. The long-term impact of the extreme cold event and the sector’s recovery needs continue to be assessed.
Polar vortex recovery funding complements business risk management programs such as crop insurance.
Quotes:
“This industry support by the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture is greatly appreciated. The damage from last year’s extreme cold event was devastating to a great number of growers, and this funding has been essential to many farms.”
— Marlene Huntley, Executive Director, Horticulture Nova Scotia
“The polar vortex recovery program has been instrumental in the recovery of our vineyards over the last year. With the announcement of Phase 2 of this program and the support it brings, all our vineyard operators in Nova Scotia can continue to work towards a full recovery.”
– Steve Ells, President, Grape Growers Association of Nova Scotia
Quick Facts:
- temperatures in the primary horticulture region of the Annapolis Valley dropped to -25 C on the morning of February 4, 2023
- on March 9, 2023, Minister Morrow announced $15 million in funding for impacted grape and fruit growers
- 111 farms received funding support in 2023 through Phase 1 of the program
- helping Nova Scotia’s fruit-growing sector recover aligns with the Department’s mandate to support and encourage local food consumption
Additional Resources:
Polar Vortex Industry Recovery Program: https://horticulturens.ca/who-we-are/polar-vortex-industry-recovery-program/
Nova Scotia Crop and Livestock Insurance Commission: https://novascotia.ca/agri/programs-and-services/financial-funding/crop-livestock-insurance/
News release – Funding for Fruit Growers Affected by February’s Extreme Cold: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2023/03/09/funding-fruit-growers-affected-februarys-extreme-cold