New Equipment Helps Produce Growth in Cape Breton Agriculture

News release

Inverness/Victoria Federation of Agriculture purchases new community-shared equipment for its members

November 21, 2018 – Mabou, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

In Cape Breton’s Inverness and Victoria counties, industry collaboration is helping attract new entrants to the agricultural sector and is strengthening overall economic performance. Non-profit organizations like the Inverness/Victoria Federation of Agriculture work to improve collaboration, co-operation and consultation among industry members, through shared resources and knowledge transfer. Members of the Federation have a common objective to promote the sustainability of regional growth in the agriculture and agri-food sectors.

The volunteer-run association has served the agricultural community in the Inverness and Victoria areas for more than 80 years. Through the Inverness/Victoria Federation of Agriculture machine rental services, member farms are able to access specialized farm equipment to increase productivity and encourage innovative farming methods. The community-shared equipment helps to grow established farms and attract new producers by offsetting high start-up costs for new operations.

Today, Rodger Cuzner, Member of Parliament for Cape Breton – Canso, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), announced a $183,720 non-repayable contribution through ACOA’s Business Development Program to assist the Inverness/Victoria Federation of Agriculture with the purchase of new agricultural equipment for community use.

The contribution will allow the Federation to advance and diversify its machine rental services to include new equipment and technology with BioSecurity features to prevent the spread of contamination between farms, increase operational efficiencies and streamline methods for collecting, clearing and processing crops.

The Province of Nova Scotia, through the Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board, provided an $80,000 loan towards the project.

This investment builds on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which supports strategic investments that accelerate the growth of resource-based industries such as the fisheries, forestry and agriculture.

Quotes

Community-share programs foster real sector growth and development by increasing collaboration between existing businesses and by creating an environment that encourages new operations to emerge. Our government is proud to invest in projects like the machine rental services provided by the Inverness/Victoria Federation of Agriculture to deepen ties with Canada’s rural communities, laying a more solid foundation for the next generation of Canadian farmers.”

     - Rodger Cuzner, Member of Parliament for Cape Breton – Canso

“As a former farmer and past member of an equipment co-op, I know first-hand the high costs of purchasing machinery and the benefits of sharing equipment. This program is one way we can help existing farmers and attract young beginner farmers so they can live and produce food with their families here in Cape Breton.”

     - The Honourable Mark Eyking, Member of Parliament for Sydney – Victoria

“All communities benefit when new and aspiring farmers build on traditional family farming knowledge and practices with modern technology and management. We are excited to be part of this project that allows farmers access to equipment that will reduce their costs and grow their businesses.”

     - The Honourable Keith Colwell, Nova Scotia Minister of Agriculture

“Investments such as these help with the strengthening of our rural communities. Agriculture is a key economic driver in Inverness and Victoria counties and enabling farmers to have access to high cost, specialized equipment ensures that we can grow our industry for generations to come."

      - Chris van den Heuvel, President, Inverness/Victoria Federation of Agriculture

Quick facts

  • The Inverness/Victoria Federation of Agriculture has provided specialized farm machinery rental services to its members in the Municipality of the County of Inverness and the Municipality of Victoria County on an as-needed rental basis for more than 50 years.

  • The funding will support the purchase of a round baler, vertical beater manure spreader, sprayer, clearing saw, bale processor, liquid manure spreader and more.

  • The Inverness/Victoria Federation of Agriculture has a current membership of nearly 140 farms, including blueberry, beef, bee, dairy, sheep, vegetable, strawberry and wood producers as well as agri-tourism, organic production and more.

Contacts

Alex Smith
Director of Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-9417 / 902-830-3939 (cell)
Alex.Smith@canada.ca

Chrissy Matheson
Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture 
902-471-2444
Chrissy.Matheson@novascotia.ca

Chris van den Heuvel
President
Inverness and Victoria Federation of Agriculture
902-631-1884
Chris@fireblade.ca

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