Grape and other fruit growers whose crops were affected by the extreme cold weather in February will soon receive additional support to help them recover as Agriculture Minister Greg Morrow has announced $15 million in funding.
“I’ve talked to farmers about the impact last month’s extreme cold had on their crops, and some are predicting a full loss of their fruit harvest this year,” said Minister Morrow. “This funding will help cover some of the extraordinary costs producers are facing over the next few years as the full scope of the damage is revealed.”
Early assessments indicate up to 100 per cent of grapes, raspberries, peaches, cherries and plums may be lost this year. The actual percentage loss and the long-term impact of the extreme cold won’t be known until spring.
The department said it will work with industry representatives over the next few months to design and deliver programs that meet their needs to help with losses not covered by programs like crop insurance. The province said the funding might also support replant programs and climate change mitigation projects.
Source: novascotia.ca