22 February 2011
Kentville, Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia fruit growers are undertaking an important industry study, with assistance provided by the Government of Canada, to help the sector prepare for future growth in world markets.
"The economy is our government's top priority and today's announcement supports the development of an effective approach that will help Nova Scotia's fruit growers' industry meet its full economic potential," said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway. "Our investment assists the Association to further their development as a competitive, productive and strategic sector of rural Nova Scotia's economy."
The Nova Scotia Fruit Growers' Association (NSFGA) will consult extensively with their membership, Canadian and American stakeholders, the general agriculture industry and the Nova Scotia Agricultural College to secure views and insight into the industry's future. Fruit growers are under significant pressure from the global over-supply of commodities, intense foreign competition, weather-related disasters, static consumption and retail consolidation.
"This is an important initiative that will position Nova Scotia fruit growers for enhanced growth and development into the future," said Nova Scotia Agriculture Minister John MacDonell. "We have seen significant gains in new markets with unique and profitable apple varieties and in infrastructure that will ensure quality apples and apple products that consumers demand and expect."
"Nova Scotia's fruit industry is an essential wealth generating component of the agriculture sector and is critical to the economic success of the Annapolis Valley," said Dela Erith, Executive Director of the NSFGA. "Nova Scotia's fruit growers produce 10 per cent of Canada's total apple production, create $14.7 million in farm gate sales and have an economic impact of about $72.5 million to the economy of Nova Scotia."
The Government of Canada's investment of $30,000 is provided through ACOA's Innovative Communities Fund. The Province of Nova Scotia will provide a grant of $5,000 and an additional $9,525 will come from the NSFGA.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
Nova Scotia's fruit growers are planning for the future with assistance from the Government of Canada. The Nova Scotia Fruit Growers' Association will receive $30,000 from the federal government's Innovative Communities Fund to study the industry's future direction. Minister of Defence Peter MacKay said the government wants to ensure that Nova Scotia fruit growers continue to prosper.
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INFORMATION:
John Soosaar
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-407-8101
Email:jsoosaar@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
