Innovation Programs Open for Applications
Nova Scotia farmers are encouraged to apply for innovation support through $1.2-million proposal-based programs.
The support is available through the innovation part of Growing Forward 2 in Nova Scotia.
"Our farmers play a key role in helping to grow the Nova Scotia economy and we want to support and promote programs that help them be more competitive and innovative," said Agriculture Minister Keith Colwell.
The innovation theme of Growing Forward 2 supports and promotes market-oriented, consumer-driven initiatives that will improve the competitiveness and profitability of Nova Scotia's agriculture, agri-food and agri-based product sector.
"Innovation is key to ensure Canadian producers have the tools they need to capitalize on emerging market opportunities," said federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. "Our government is proud to support innovation in Nova Scotia's vibrant agriculture and agri-food industry."
Spurr Brothers Farms has used the programs twice to purchase specialized equipment to harvest apples and produce local garlic.
"Spurr Brothers Farms has greatly benefitted from the program," said Lisa Jenereaux, one of the farm's four co-owners. "We have purchased specialized pieces of equipment that have contributed greatly in increasing efficiency and quality. With the support of these programs, we are able to adapt and compete in the ever-changing marketplace."
The five-year framework agreement for agriculture is cost-shared 60-40 between the federal and provincial governments.
Funding is available under research acceleration, farm innovation, and agri-products innovation and commercialization.
The initiatives will help Nova Scotia remain competitive by investing in innovation. Research acceleration allows the industry to flesh out a concept and adapt it to the Nova Scotia agriculture and agri-food industry. Farm innovation takes the research to the next level and tests it out on the farm. Agri-products innovation and commercialization helps take that to a commercial product.
More details on the program and applications are available at http://novascotia.ca/agri/programs-and-services/financial-funding/growing-forward2/innovation/ .