New program aims to make blueberry, apple producers more efficient

CITYnews halifax / By Mark Hodgins

Blueberry and apple producers in Nova Scotia have access to a new program designed to help them be more efficient and safer on the farm.

The government says the new wild blueberry and apple harvest efficiency program offers up to $50,000 for the purchase of equipment designed to improve harvesting efficiency and safety.

Eligible equipment includes tree fruit harvest-assist platforms, front-mounted blueberry rakes, and blueberry harvester heads, which are expected to reduce labor costs and improve harvest times.

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The program aims to provide up to $1.2 million in funding over the next two years.

Wild blueberries are Nova Scotia’s largest agricultural product, generating more than $121 million in annual exports while apples generate close to $31 million in exports per year.