Phase 2 of regional climate data research project announced
April 17, 2014 Shelburne, NS Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Shelburne County Business Development Center Limited (CBDC Shelburne), in a joint effort with CBDC Yarmouth and South Shore Opportunities, is investing in the second phase of its regional climate-data research project. Focused on furthering the research collected throughout 2011-2013, the second phase will provide a clearer picture of the potential for growing high-value agricultural crops (i.e. peaches, grapes, and high-bush blueberries) in southwestern Nova Scotia.
In the initial phase, three years of agricultural data was collected and analyzed by agri-food company Perennia and the Centre of Geographic Sciences (COGS) to create a micro-climate map of the region. The results of this phase were encouraging, as southwestern Nova Scotia showed significant potential for high-value agricultural crop production. In many cases, the conditions were superior to areas in the region with an established agricultural industry. The initial phase has resulted in expressions of interest from investors.
Phase II activities include adding three new types of sensors to monitor wind speed and direction, rain, and relative humidity as well as extending the data collection period an additional two and a half years. This will provide potential investors with a more comprehensive set of data. A marketing strategy will also be created to promote these findings to prospective investors, particularly in the agriculture sector.
The Government of Canada is investing $223,880 in the project, through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund, as announced today by Parliamentary Secretary and local MP Gerald Keddy. The initiative also received an investment of $56,813 from the Nova Scotia Department of Rural and Economic Development and Tourism.
Seven municipalities spanning five counties provided a combined contribution of $52,500, making this a truly joint initiative between all levels of government. These municipalities include: Municipality of the District of Yarmouth; Municipality of the District of Argyle; Municipality of the District of Barrington; Municipality of the District of Shelburne; Region of Queens Municipality; Municipality of the District of Lunenburg; and, Municipality of the District of Chester.
Quick Facts:
- For 24 years, CBDC Shelburne has been providing technical and financial services to clients related to small and medium enterprise start-ups, growth and development.
- Throughout its history, CBDC Shelburne has assisted over 6,000 entrepreneurs.
- During the period of April 1, 2011 to December 31, 2013, three CBDCs in southwestern Nova Scotia – CBDC Shelburne, Yarmouth and South Shore Opportunities - have assisted a total of 203 businesses/social enterprises and provided $9,118,981 in funding.
- The Government of Canada, through ACOA, invested $242,228 in Phase 1 of the climate-data project to identify specific areas for agricultural development in southwestern Nova Scotia.
Quotes:
“Our Government is pleased to support the Shelburne County Business Development Center through our investment in the second phase of its regional climate-data research project. This project represents an important opportunity to diversify the economy and encourage new agricultural investments in southwestern Nova Scotia.”
Gerald Keddy
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue and for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Member of Parliament for South Shore-St. Margaret’s, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (ACOA)
“When communities and governments come together to collaborate on a project with this level of potential, opportunities are quickly realized. It’s exciting to think what will come from this research, and how it could grow our agriculture sector, and help businesses expand into new markets around the world.”
Michel Samson
Nova Scotia Minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism
“This phase will provide us with the detailed climatic data and marketing plan we need to move forward and encourage investment. We know that southwestern Nova Scotia has an abundance of land and suitable climatic conditions for agricultural development, but now we’ll have the facts to prove it. And when entrepreneurs decide to start or expand their businesses here because of it, our CBDCs will be available to provide them with the funding, guidance and support they need to succeed.”
Dixie Redmond
Executive Director, CBDC Shelburne
Related Products:
The Government of Canada Invests in Two Shelburne County Projects (News Release, 2011)
Southwest Nova Scotia - Temperature and Solar Radiation Study - 2012 Project Summary
Associated Links:
CBDC Shelburne
Perennia
Centre of Geographic Sciences (COGS)
Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Paul Moore
Manager, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-3470 / 902-222-3360 (cell)
Email: Paul.Moore@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Tina Thibeau
Media Relations Advisor
Economic and Rural Development and Tourism
902-424-5836 / 902-483-6104 (cell)
Email: ThibeaTD@gov.ns.ca
Dixie Redmond
Executive Director
Shelburne Community Business Development Center
902-875-1133 / 902-874-0316 (cell)
Email: dixie.redmond@cbdc.ca
