More support for farmers needed in the midst of drought, says expert

The Need for More Support for Farmers in Nova Scotia Due to Long-Term Drought

The president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture says that more support is needed to help farmers, because the province continues to experience a long-term drought.

Province’s Investment in Water Delivery Projects

Last week, the Province announced an investment of $475,000 to help farmers increase their water delivery by supporting projects, including putting in ponds.

Call for Continued Support

Alicia King, president of the organization and a farmer on Six Maples Farm in Antigonish, said with the long-term drought, farmers will need more support in the future.

“This is the point for us as the federation to continue to argue for our members and all producers in the province who cannot make themselves available,” King explained. “People feed cows, people try to get water at a certain location.”

King said that the Federation is currently working on putting together recommendations for the government to help producers survive this drought situation.

Drought Conditions in Eastern Canada

Nova Scotia, Oost-Newfoundland, Southeast-New Brunswick, and parts of Prince Edward Island shifted to moderate to severe drought conditions in the past month according to an update from Agriculture Canada.

Rainfall has fallen to around 60 percent of the normal levels in Halifax with 270 millimeters from April to the end of July, compared to average levels of 460 mm for the same period, says the federal agency.