**** CNS Media Release
More Support for Wild Blueberry, Apple Farmers
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Wild blueberry and apple farmers can now apply for funding to buy new equipment for safer and more efficient harvesting.
“Our farmers work hard to produce healthy, quality food to feed families, create jobs and run businesses that build a strong economy and communities,” said Kent Smith, acting Minister of Agriculture. “This new funding program means farmers can access new equipment to help them harvest their crops in a way that’s safer and faster to reduce labour costs.”
Equipment eligible for funding includes tree fruit harvest-assist platforms, front-mounted blueberry rakes and 48- or 60-inch blueberry harvester heads. This equipment increases efficiency: apple harvest-assist platforms, for example, reduce harvest time by about 20 per cent by eliminating the need for ladders.
Farmers can apply for up to $50,000 through the new Wild Blueberry and Apple Harvest Efficiency Program, which can provide up to $1.2 million over the next two years.
Quotes:
“The wild blueberry industry has had a tough couple years, with increased costs and lower returns. Investing in new and more efficient equipment is part of a long-term strategy to make our farms more viable. This harvester efficiency program is one component of that strategy, for those farms that are looking to modernize and have the flexibility to do so. This program will help reduce the capital costs for farms that see these harvester upgrades as the right option for their operation.”
— Peter Burgess, Executive Director, Wild Blueberry Producers Association of Nova Scotia
“This program supporting new labour-saving equipment for our growers will make harvesting and other orchard activities easier and more efficient. Our growers have invested heavily in planting modern, high-density orchards that are designed to implement technology like platforms and harvest-assists included in this program. After coping with various weather challenges in recent years, growers need exactly this type of practical support to help their operations gain strength and plan for future growth. We are pleased to be working with the Province on this equipment program for apple growers.”
— Emily Lutz, Executive Director, Nova Scotia Fruit Growers’ Association
Quick Facts:
– in 2023, the agricultural sector generated $753.9 million in farm gate revenue
– wild blueberries are Nova Scotia’s largest agricultural product, generating more than $121 million in annual exports
– apples generate close to $31 million in exports per year
– the Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board will offer financing options to help farmers purchase equipment approved by the program
Additional Resources:
Wild Blueberry and Apple Harvest Efficiency Program guidelines: https://novascotia.ca/
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