Nova Scotia farms affected by last year’s severe summer drought are set to receive government assistance. The federal and provincial governments are committing up to $25 million to help livestock and wild blueberry producers. The province will contribute up to $10 million and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada will contribute up to $15 million. The department reported that last summer was statistically a one-in-50-year drought, with some parts of Nova Scotia receiving only 40 per cent of normal precipitation levels. The general manager of the NB Blueberries industry group said the total yield of last year’s harvest was believed to be 70 per cent less than the previous three-year average. The dry conditions also emptied wells, water restrictions were in place, a woods ban was declared due to wildfire risks and farms faced financial pressures. Dairy, beef, sheep and wild blueberry producers were identified in a federal assessment as experiencing “significant extraordinary” drought-related costs. “We have been working closely with industry and producers throughout this situation, and this funding will help operations recover and continue contributing to Nova Scotia’s food supply and rural economy,” said agriculture minister Greg Morrow in a provincial news release. The president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture adds the impacts of the dry summer are still being felt across the province. “Farmers have been carrying these losses and making difficult decisions for months, so this funding will provide important assistance as they continue their recovery. We are pleased to see this program respond to those needs and provide support to eligible producers across the province,” said Alicia King. The province says producers will be advised when applications for the program open. Last month, Nova Scotia offered $6.3 million to community projects seeking to combat drought and water shortages. The province says the latest program complements existing supports. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
