Water program grows out as droughts affected farmers are confronted with problems

Extra Support Offered to Nova Scotia Farmers as Wells, Streams, and Crops Dry Up

Amidst drying wells, streams, and crops in Nova Scotia, the province is stepping in to offer additional support to farmers to enhance their water supply.

Increased Financing for Water Management Program on Farms

The province is allocating $475,000 towards financing water projects on farms, such as wells and ponds, through the Water Management Program on the Farm.

The president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture highlights the critical importance of reliable water access for farm success and food system safety, especially emphasized during this year’s drought.

Enhancing Water Management for Resilience

The Water Management Program on the Farm assists farmers in improving water management practices, reducing fire risks, and sustaining operations during droughts or high fire hazard periods.

This funding will support existing eligible applications and enable a second call for applications under the program.

Drought Conditions Across Eastern Canada

Parts of Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island have experienced moderate to severe drought conditions in recent months, according to Agriculture Canada.

Rainfall in Halifax has plummeted to 60% of normal levels, with only 270 millimeters from April to July compared to the average of 460 mm for the same period.

The dry conditions have led to the second worst natural fire season on record in Canada, with fires burning an area larger than New Brunswick.

Source: Jordan Omstead and Michael Tutton, The Canadian Press