Funding comes at ‘crucial time’

Nova Scotia's Department of Agriculture recently announced $15 million in funding to help grape and fruit growers whose crops were affected by the extreme cold weather in February.

The province said early assessments show up to 100 per cent of grapes, raspberries, peaches, cherries and plums might be lost this year.

However, the actual percentage loss and the longterm impact won't be known until spring.

"The damage this polar vortex caused doesn't just affect this year's harvest but the coming years as well," said Steve Ells, president of the Grape Growers Association of Nova Scotia. "This funding from the province comes at a crucial time to support our recovery and set us up for success in the long term."

The total farm gate value for fresh fruit in 2022 was almost $96 million.

The primary horticulture region of the Annapolis Valley saw temperatures of -25 C on the morning of Feb. 4. Department officials said in a news release they 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.