KENTVILLE, (NS) – May, 9TH- Greg Kerr, Member of Parliament for West Nova, on behalf of Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and La Francophonie, today announced funding for the Nova Scotia Fruit Growers’ Association for the creation of a growth and development strategy

“Our Government’s priority is job creation, growth and long-term prosperity. In the Annapolis Valley, and in all of Nova Scotia, the tree fruit industry represents an important economic sector,” said MP Kerr. “Our support for the Nova Scotia Fruit Growers’ Association will help the creation of jobs throughout the value chain, the stimulation of investment and export opportunities, and the establishment of a sustainable business environment that encourages continued innovation and growth.”

The Government of Canada, through ACOA, is providing $47,500 in assistance to develop the strategy. The project will identify opportunities and actions that can advance the tree fruit industry by increasing efficiency through innovation and technology transfer. This will increase production in order to meet growing export demands, with the ultimate goal of increasing profitability and sustainability for Nova Scotia’s tree fruit growers.

“The Nova Scotia tree fruit industry has grown both in size and market share over the last decade. My Department is pleased to support this development strategy through an investment of $20,000. This funding will help take the industry to a new level and aligns closely with the Department of Agriculture’s Homegrown Success Strategy for development of good jobs in rural Nova Scotia,” said Agriculture Minister John MacDonell.

“Our organization has been in business for 149 years, representing a traditional industry that currently includes over 70 commercial producers,” said Dela Erith, Executive Director. “This funding will help us find ways to keep our industry strong and competitive.”