(Bedford, N.S.) Today Premier Darrell Dexter announced the NDP will offer a loan product, called Time to Grow, to give fruit growers and organic farmers the time they need to plant, grow and harvest their crops without the worry of financial pressures. “Fruit growers and organic farmers need a longer time from when they plant their crop to when they can harvest and sell it. That can add financial pressure to families who run their own farms,” said Dexter. “Stephen McNeil has said he will cut $500,000 out of agricultural spending but has refused to say what services he will slash. Hard working farming families need stability to know they can keep planting in new crops. Stephen McNeil is offering more cuts, closures and jobs loss to the farming industry.” “The NDP is standing up for farmers by providing Time to Grow loans that will allow farmers to defer a portion of the payments until the crop is harvested and sold.” Time to Grow will be offered through the Farm Loan Board who already works with local farmers to provide loan products. Fruit growers and certified organic farmers would be given period of interest relief while their crops are growing. “The NDP is providing more loan options to help make it easier for young farmers to start their own farms and grow more local foods for Nova Scotia families. The NDP has worked with local farmers to make Nova Scotia the only province with an increase in the number of farms,” said the NDP leader. The NDP supports local farmers and legislated a 20 per cent goal for all locally produced food bought by Nova Scotains by 2020. The province is currently on track to meet that target ahead of schedule. The province has previously announced Farm NEXT a program that is helping more young and new farmers start their own business. The province also made investments in soil management, farm safety, and farm share rebates that is encouraging Nova Scotians to buy directly from local farms. “Together with farmers we will build a better future for today’s families.” The NDP will: deliver better health care where and when people need it, fight for good jobs and stronger communities, keep the HST off home energy and take it off more family essentials, give our kids a better start, stand up for seniors, build the Maritime Link and keep the budget balanced to protect services for families. Election day is Tuesday, October 8.
Posted on: Sun, 22 Sep 2013 21:34:26 +0000
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