Nova Scotia greenhouses receive local and federal investment

The governments of Nova Scotia and Canada have agreed to support the businesses den Haan Greenhouses and Forest Glen Greenhouses.

Under a new initiative, the two companies will each receive C$300,000 ($223,530) in funding.

Canadian Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau said: “Investments like these are win-win for our agricultural producers and our environment because they increase the production of locally sourced vegetables by using the modern infrastructure.

“Our government will continue collaborating with our provincial partners to help the sustainable development of agricultural businesses like these who make important contributions to our communities by providing jobs and supplying high-quality food.”

den Haan will use the funding to install light-emitting diode (LED) technology to produce vegetables throughout the year at its greenhouse facility.

The company expects this move to increase its vegetable production capacity by 25%-30%.

This increase will help the company to meet the demand for local fresh produce in the winter while reducing its carbon footprint.

Forest Glen produces seasonal plant material. It intends to use the funding to add a new 35,000ft² gutter-connected greenhouse.

The government of Nova Scotia will provide the funding through its Agriculture Business Advancer programme, backed by the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP).

Nova Scotia Minister of Agriculture Keith Colwell said: “Nova Scotia’s Agriculture Business Advancer programme helps agri-businesses innovate and expand, enhancing rural economic development and increasing food security in our province.

“With our federal government partners, we congratulate the two Nova Scotian greenhouse operations who are the Advancer programme’s 2020 funding recipients.”