Atlantic Canada‘s bountiful agriculture industry is the backbone of many communities and businesses throughout the region, and an important contributor of international exports. The Government of Canada is investing to help Nova Scotia apple growers produce cider as a sustainable, value-added product, further strengthening the region’s retail and tourism offerings.

“Nova Scotia produces some of the best apples in North America, so of course they make some of the best cider, too. Our federal government is helping these home-grown businesses diversify their products and find new customers, which is good news for communities and businesses in Nova Scotia.”
- The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.

“Nova Scotia ciders will further strengthen the Annapolis Valley’s reputation as a world-class culinary destination for visitors and locals alike. And, with growing seasons becoming more challenging and less predictable, diversifying seasonal products helps build economic resilience for local growers and producers. These initiatives from the Nova Scotia Cider Association are a win-win for industry and consumers alike.”
- Kody Blois, Member of Parliament for Kings—Hants

“Local entrepreneurs in Nova Scotia, like Poet Comeau of Lake City Cider in Dartmouth, are not only providing an amazing product, they’re also providing jobs and growing our local economy. I believe that Nova Scotia produces some of the very best ciders in the world, and I know that our Government’s support will help them spread the word, in creative and effective ways, to tourists and locals.”
- Darren Fisher, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Associate Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Dartmouth – Cole Harbour 

“Supporting local, home-grown cideries is important from a number of economic perspectives, including local job creation, capital investments, diversification and tourism impacts. We want to highlight and focus on the sustainable, value-added aspects of cider production in our province that is rooted in the Nova Scotia ground. Our work both builds confidence and enthusiasm on behalf of the cider owners and makers resulting in producing and retailing some of the best ciders produced in North America.”
- Poet Comeau, President of the Nova Scotia Cider Association and Owner of Lake City Cider

• The Nova Scotia Cider Association (NSCA) is a non-profit organization that works to connect the community and visitors with Nova Scotia’s local apple growers, cideries and cider retailers. It is made up of 19 members province wide.

• Nova Scotia cider makers craft cider from many apple varieties. Ciders also can be made from pears (perry) and from a mixture of more than one fruit (blends). Alternative techniques can be employed to produce specialty ciders.

• Apples were first cultivated by early French settlers in the Annapolis Valley, as far back as 1633. By the 19^th century, Nova Scotia had become a preferred exporter of apples, due to its climate and geographical location. Today, apples are consistently in the top two most exported fruits in Canada. Nova Scotia has the fourth largest apple acreage in the country. 

• The funding announced today is provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s (ACOA) Innovative Communities Fund (ICF).

Kevin Lemkay
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development
and of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Kevin.Lemkay@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Anya Melzer
Acting Communications Manager
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
(902) 440-7258
Anya.Melzer@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Poet Comeau
President
Nova Scotia Cider Association
902-240-0833
Poet@LakeCityCider.ca

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