Research Funding for Christmas Trees

Nova Scotia is committed to making Christmas trees the best they can be.

Consumers want trees that are low maintenance and without a lot of needle loss. The Department of Natural Resources is contributing funding for a research program dedicated to just that.

The Department of Natural Resources has contributed $250,000 to the Christmas Tree Council of Nova Scotia to research needle retention. The research initiative is lead by Raj Lada at the Nova Scotia Agriculture College.

"The Christmas tree industry plays an important role in the social and economical well-being of many rural communities throughout Nova Scotia," said Natural Resources Minister David Morse. "Nova Scotia Christmas tree producers are finding innovative ways to produce the best possible Christmas trees and this is one way we can show our support."

Each year at Christmas time, the debate over real or artificial trees is rekindled. Real trees are a good choice for Nova Scotians. They generate about $30 million for the provincial economy and provide 400 full-time and 2,000 seasonal jobs in Nova Scotia. Balsam firs represent Nova Scotian tradition, dating back to the early 1900s and create a seasonal fragrance not soon forgotten.

Real trees are also the right choice for the environment, being biodegradable and recyclable. Balsam fir regenerates well in Nova Scotia, making the Christmas tree industry sustainable.

"Needle retention is a concern for Nova Scotia producers," said Christmas Tree Council of Nova Scotia president Wayne Priest. "This funding will let us continue toward solutions for needle loss that will give us an edge in this ever-changing market."