PRESS RELEASE: Taste of Nova Scotia and the government of Nova Scotia team up to grow local food production
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 19, 2023
Dartmouth, NS: Thanks to a $1.5 million contribution from the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture, Taste of Nova Scotia has launched a new program to support small to medium-sized food processors. The Emerging Food Processors Program will help them grow their businesses and boost local food production within the province.
“Local food processors play a starring role in providing Nova Scotians with fresh, high-quality products,” says Agriculture Minister Greg Morrow. “We’re proud to be working with Taste of Nova Scotia to support the use of local ingredients in made-in-Nova Scotia products while supporting the economic health of the communities our processers live and work in.”
The new Emerging Food Processors Program will also help improve food security and sustainability in Nova Scotia. It will encourage activities that increase the use of Nova Scotia agricultural ingredients in value-added products and expand the growth of Nova Scotia-produced and processed value-added products.
The program builds on the success of other recent pilot programs like the Season Extension Enhancement Program, delivered in collaboration with the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and Horticulture Nova Scotia. This program helped fruit and vegetable growers to invest in innovative and labour-saving technologies to extend their growing season, adapt to climate change, and open up new market opportunities.
“Taste of Nova Scotia is thrilled to deliver the Emerging Food Processors Program with funding from the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture,” says Emily Haynes, Executive Director of Taste of Nova Scotia. “This is a tremendous opportunity to support and grow the capacity of our small to medium-sized food producers and put more local food on Nova Scotian tables.”
Details of the program can be found online at Emerging Food Processors Program Application | Taste of Nova Scotia.
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Applications for the Emerging Food Processors Program can be submitted online via the Taste of Nova Scotia website at Emerging Food Processors Program Application | Taste of Nova Scotia.
For more information, please email programs@tasteofnovascotia.com or phone 902-492-9291 ext. 113. This project is a partnership of Taste of Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Sacha Smith, Manager of Marketing & Communications
Cell: 902-817-9960
Email: sacha@tasteofnovascotia.com
Website: www.tasteofnovascotia.com
About Taste of Nova Scotia
Taste of Nova Scotia is a unique, province-wide, marketing program whose members are committed to offering exceptional local culinary products and experiences. The Taste of Nova Scotia membership base includes more than 200 quality food producers and processors, locally inspired restaurants, and industry members. www.tasteofnovascotia.com