The Department of Agriculture’s Homegrown Success Program is now accepting applications and the program guidelines are available online.

If you were unable to attend one of the information sessions that took place last month, please note that there have been some significant changes to the Program:

1. The overall funding cap has been reduced to $15,000 and the percentage that will be funded on projects has been reduced to 50% or less, depending on the item. These changes were made to allow a greater number of farms to access the program. There are other changes to the details of particular funding categories, as well.

2. Applications will no longer be approved on a first-come-first-served basis. Applications will be accepted up until April 30. They will be evaluated based on the project impact described in Section 6 of the application form, which can be downloaded here in pdf format.

If you have any questions about program details, the new application form, or the evaluation process, please contact your nearest Agricultural Resource Coordinator, as follows:

Gary Koziel (Cape Breton): 563-2000, kozielgj@gov.ns.ca

Dawn Barrington-Hodgson (Pictou, Antigonish, Guysborough): 863-4705, barrind@gov.ns.ca

Michael Kittilsen (Cumberland, Colchester, Halifax-East Hants): 893-3645, kittilma@gov.ns.ca

Brian MacCulloch (Kings, West Hants, Lunenburg, Queens): 679-6006, macculbc@gov.ns.ca

Terry McKay (Annapolis, Digby, Yarmouth, Shelburne): 638-2397, mckaytw@gov.ns.ca

Nova Scotia Weekly Market Report: March 31, 2014 to April 4, 2014

We have been informed by the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture that the Home Grown Success roadshow scheduled for this Wednesday, March 26th in Truro HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED to Wednesday, April 2nd at the same location, Holiday Inn Express, 437 Prince Street starting at 7 p.m.

Nova Scotia Weekly Market Report: March 14, 2014 to March 28, 2014

Nova Scotia Weekly Market Report: March 17, 2014 to March 21, 2014

Nova Scotia Weekly Market Report: March 10, 2014 to March 14, 2014

The PNS Annual General Meeting will be held on March 21, 2014 at the Old Orchard Inn in Greenwich, starting with lunch at 12:00 pm.

Opening remarks will be made at 12:45 pm.

2014 PNS AGM Agenda  [PDF]

Notice is given on the following proposed regulation change
To increase PNS levies to take affect June 1, 2014.

March 6, 2014 (Ottawa, ON) – After three years of multi-stakeholder consultations and a 60-day public comment period that drew record-setting engagement for both diversity of perspective and number of comments, an updated Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Pigs is official. 

“The new Code of Practice is a significant step forward for the Canadian industry,” says Florian Possberg, pork producer and Chair of the Code Development Committee. “It is a step that recognizes the healthy and rigorous debate of a diverse group of stakeholders to constructively address pig welfare in Canada.”

Highlights of the revised Code include a full commitment to adopt loose housing for sows and gilts in all new facilities built after July 1, 2014, new pain control requirements and enhanced environmental enrichment.

The Code of Practice is a product of the National Farm Animal Care Council and the Code Development Committee, a 17-person committee comprising representatives from the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, pig producers, scientists, transporters, processors, veterinarians and government.

The Code is available online at www.nfacc.ca/codes-of-practice/pigs.

“The Canadian Pork Council and its members are proud of the new Pig Code and the credibility the entire process lends to its creation,” says Jean-Guy Vincent, Chair of the Canadian Pork Council. “The new Code is a source of tremendous pride. It represents our commitment to the animals in our care, the sustainability of our industry, our ability to work collaboratively with a diverse stakeholder group and the leadership we provide to a global industry.”

Financial support for the Code has been provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

The CPC serves as the national voice for hog producers in Canada.  A federation of nine provincial pork industry associations, our organization’s purpose is to play a leadership role in achieving and maintaining a dynamic and prosperous Canadian pork sector.

For more information, please contact:

Gary Stordy
Public Relations Manager
Canadian Pork Council
613-236-9239 Ext. 277
stordy@cpc-ccp.com

Do you know your responsibilities under the Occupational Health and Safety Act? Do you have communication barriers with your seasonal agricultural workers? Are you looking to understand the internal responsibility system? Would you benefit from strategies for communications with seasonal agricultural workers?

Farm Safety Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture are hosting a one-day workshop, Safety Starts with Communication, March 11, 2014 at the Old Orchard Inn in Greenwich, NS for farmers and industry stakeholders.

The workshop will start off with a  presentation from OHS Officer, Larry Stewart who will discuss the internal responsibility system & rights and responsibilities, with an opportunity to ask your questions about farm safety. The afternoon will bring a presentation from Margarita Caropresi, Editor & Director of AtocTli and former liaison with the Mexican Consulate in Toronto with the seasonal agricultural worker program.  Margarita will discuss some of the linguistic and cultural challenges with migrant workers and provide strategies for improved communication on the farm.

Join us for the morning session, afternoon session or both. RSVP prior to March 6th, 2014.
Safety Starts with Communication Poster [PDF]