The provincial government is extending its interim support program for grape farm wineries in Nova Scotia, committing $7.4 million over the next two years.
The funding is part of an extension to the existing farm wine program, which will now continue with $3.7 million in support each year. The program currently covers 22 registered grape farm wineries.
Agriculture Minister Greg Morrow said the province recognizes the value of the wine industry to rural economies and intends to follow up on discussions about more permanent funding. “We appreciate the high-quality wines produced in Nova Scotia and the overall impacts of the farm wineries to our rural economies,” he said.
The interim program is modelled on the federal Wine Sector Support Program. The province also runs a separate $700,000 Wine and Grape Industry Development Program.
Wine Growers Nova Scotia says it welcomes the funding extension and the ongoing conversations with both the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Finance. Board chair Karl Coutinho said the investment shows the province is working with the industry and supporting its long-term growth.
