The Nova Scotia government is investing more than $1.7 million in four agriculture projects aimed at helping businesses expand production, develop new products, and reach new markets.
Agriculture Minister Greg Morrow announced the funding on Monday, July 13, at East Coast Wild Blueberry Ltd. in Debert. The company is receiving $600,000 through the Nova Scotia Seafood and Agriculture Strategic Investment Fund to establish commercial rhubarb production. The project is expected to generate about $7 million in additional annual sales.
“We’re investing in companies that are making a strong contribution to our economy and to rural communities,” Morrow said. “Through this fund, we’re helping them develop new markets, increase their revenue base and build value here in Nova Scotia.”
Three other agriculture businesses are also receiving support:
- Maritime Gourmet Mushrooms Inc. in Great Village, Colchester County, will receive $500,000 to expand year-round greenhouse production of leafy greens using hydroponic technology.
- Eyking Brothers Farms Ltd. in Millville, Cape Breton Regional Municipality, will receive $400,000 to build a new packing and distribution facility and purchase advanced harvesting equipment.
- Vitis Vines Inc. in Centreville, Kings County, will receive $235,000 to increase its tissue culture capacity and expand the supply of locally produced grapevines and horticultural planting material.
The province says the projects will help increase local food production, improve efficiency, reduce reliance on imports, and expand access to international markets.
Lynne Godlien, CEO of Perennia, says, “This has been such an exciting and rewarding program for us to administer for the Province. It was a rigorous and competitive application process and the agriculture industry showed up with progressive ideas, business acumen and passion, underscoring how bright the future is for their businesses, their communities and for Nova Scotia.”
Officials say projects must be completed by January 2027, and that these investments are expected to create long-term economic benefits for Nova Scotia’s agriculture sector while supporting growth in rural communities.
