Farmers in Nova Scotia’s apple and wild blueberry industries can now access funding to upgrade their harvesting equipment, with a focus on improving workplace safety and efficiency.
The provincial government has introduced the Wild Blueberry and Apple Harvest Efficiency Program, offering up to $1.2 million over two years. Eligible farmers can apply for up to $50,000 to help cover the cost of new equipment, including tree fruit harvest-assist platforms and front-mounted blueberry rakes—tools designed to reduce manual labour and lower the risk of workplace injuries.
Kent Smith, Nova Scotia’s acting Minister of Agriculture, said the initiative aims to support farmers by improving working conditions while increasing productivity.
“Our farmers work hard to produce healthy, quality food to feed families, create jobs and run businesses that build a strong economy and communities,” Smith said. “This new funding program means farmers can access new equipment to help them harvest their crops in a way that’s safer and faster to reduce labour costs.”
Workplace safety remains a concern in agriculture, particularly in harvest operations that rely on physically demanding labour. Apple harvest-assist platforms, for example, eliminate the need for ladders, which reduces fall-related injuries while cutting harvest time by about 20 per cent.
Peter Burgess, executive director of the Wild Blueberry Producers Association of Nova Scotia, said that while many farms have faced economic challenges in recent years, upgrading equipment is a key step toward long-term sustainability. “Investing in new and more efficient equipment is part of a long-term strategy to make our farms more viable,” he said. “This program will help reduce the capital costs for farms that see these harvester upgrades as the right option for their operation.”
Apple growers have also been investing in high-density orchards designed to accommodate labour-saving technology. Emily Lutz, executive director of the Nova Scotia Fruit Growers’ Association, said the new program aligns with those efforts. “After coping with various weather challenges in recent years, growers need exactly this type of practical support to help their operations gain strength and plan for future growth,” she said.
Nova Scotia’s agricultural sector generated $753.9 million in farm gate revenue in 2023, with wild blueberries accounting for more than $121 million in exports and apples contributing close to $31 million. The Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board is offering financing options for farmers looking to purchase equipment through the program.
Farmers can apply for funding now, with applications assessed based on eligibility criteria set by the province. See https://novascotia.ca/programs/wild-blueberry-apple-harvest-efficiency/
