New Program Supports Blueberry Expansion

Nova Scotia’s wild blueberry farmers will have access to new funding that will allow them to increase and expand production.

Agriculture Minister Keith Colwell and MP Scott Armstrong, on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, announced $1.08 million over three years for the Lowbush Blueberry Development Program today, July 18, during the Wild Blueberry Producers Association’s annual field day at Millen Farms in Great Village, Colchester Co.

“The wild blueberry is the number one fruit crop in acreage, export sales and value in Nova Scotia. This investment will help bring more land into production and increase field productivity for this valuable crop,” said Mr. Colwell.

Wild blueberries account for more than half of the value of all fruit production in Nova Scotia. The value to the industry in 2014 was $34.1 million.

The Lowbush Blueberry Development Program aims to improve production techniques like harvesting and pruning, and expand cultivation. This program will allow industry to remain
cost competitive on the global fruit market and ensure the ongoing viability of these businesses in rural Nova Scotia.

“The government is committed to helping farmers remain
cost competitive in the global fruit market,” said Mr. Armstrong. “This program helps ensure the ongoing viability of these businesses in rural Nova Scotia and the growth of the Canadian economy.”

“Nova Scotia wild blueberries go to more than 30 countries around the world,” said Jeff Orr, president, Wild Blueberry Producers Association of Nova Scotia. “This new program will enable our existing growers to expand their operations as well as encourage new entrants to our industry, thereby contributing to the economic growth of the province.”

The Lowbush Blueberry Development Program is funded under Growing Forward 2, the five-year framework agreement for agriculture which is cost-shared 60-40 between the federal and provincial governments.

Registered farmers who have been farming in the program year are eligible to apply for funding. Additional eligibility requirements are available online at http://novascotia.ca/agri/programs-and-services/financial-funding/growing-forward2/ .

Source: Release