Nova Scotia has relaunched its Value-Added Equipment Program, which offers financial support to agricultural food processing businesses. This Program helps small farmers and agricultural businesses invest in equipment to improve their processing capabilities.
Now entering its second year, the program has allocated $475,000 in funding, jointly supported by the Nova Scotia and federal governments. Last year, it successfully assisted 38 value-added food producers in enhancing their production capabilities.
This program is designed to strengthen Nova Scotia's agriculture sector by making it easier for farms, particularly small farms, to adopt new technologies. By funding equipment upgrades, the program aims to increase competitiveness, production capacity, and the variety of local food products available.
“We’re supporting more local food being produced right here in Nova Scotia,” explained Greg Morrow, Agriculture Minister, Nova Scotia, when making the announcement. “This program helps rural, agricultural businesses innovate and increase food production making new, exciting products, or scaling up an existing value-added business.”
This initiative is part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership and aims to increase the capacity, competitiveness, and growth of the agriculture sector by adopting new and improved processes and technologies.
Applications for the 2024-25 program are open until June 30th. Grants can be used to cover the cost of purchasing and installing value-added processing equipment.
Small farmers can find more information and apply online at: https://novascotia.ca/programs/value-adding-equipment/
The program is supported by both the federal and Nova Scotia governments with a total investment of $475,000 this year. This initiative has already had a positive impact on Nova Scotia farms, as highlighted by quotes from program participants.
Who uses programs like this?
Here are a few farmers who have already used the program.
Susan Tziolas of Holmestead Cheese Sales Ltd. used the program to improve efficiency and introduce new cheese products. "We’re proud to produce quality feta cheese at our family-run business right here in Nova Scotia. Last year’s Value-Adding Equipment program helped us improve efficiency in our processing and introduce a brand-new line of products that helped us serve new customers like new Canadians who appreciate our authentic flavours and line of Mediterranean cheese."
Jill McPherson of Island Folk Cider House was able to purchase an on-site canning system, allowing her company to expand production and meet customer demand for canned cider.
“We are thrilled to be growing our cider company here in Cape Breton. The Value-Adding Equipment program has allowed us to keep growing by purchasing our own on-site canning system. It will allow us to maximize our production schedule, create efficiencies, and package more product in cans which will help the environment and is appreciated by our customers."
By supporting investment in processing equipment, the Value-Adding Equipment Program is helping Nova Scotia's agricultural sector thrive. This program contributes to a more robust and innovative local food system, benefiting both producers and consumers.