New program will help N.S. food, beverage producers expand into more markets

A new program in Nova Scotia is expected to help more local food producers meet safety requirements they need to get more of their products to local and global markets. (Province of Nova Scotia / File)

A new program in Nova Scotia is expected to help more local producers meet food safety requirements they need to get more of their products to local and global markets.

The new Local Supplier Food Safety Support Pilot Program – a partnership between the departments of Growth and Development and Agriculture and Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation – is a two-year pilot program for both food and beverage producers.

The province says the program will help with costs related to food safety standards such as training, assessment, program development, audit fees and facility upgrades.

It will also help food and beverage producers achieve and maintain food safety requirements for retailers, food service companies and institutions, or adjust their food safety program to meet emerging food safety requirements or new markets.

“We are Nova Scotia Loyal, and now more than ever, we need to find solutions to make it easier for our local producers to meet safety requirements to grow their business to larger retailers and distributors locally, nationally and internationally,” said Growth and Development Minister Colton LeBlanc in a news release.

The provincial government says the program will cover 100 per cent of eligible training costs, and 40 per cent of other eligible food safety costs, up to $20,000 per company.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page