N.S. government spending $7.4M on grape farm wineries, extends interim program

A collection of grapes is seen at a vineyard in Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley. (Jonathan MacInnis/CTV News Atlantic)

The Nova Scotia government is spending $7.4 million on registered grape farm wineries as it extends an interim program for two years.

The government launched the interim program last fall, spending $3.7 million on 22 registered grape farm wineries in the province. The two-year program extension will provide another $3.7 million per year to the wineries.

“We appreciate the high-quality wines produced in Nova Scotia and the overall impacts of the farm wineries to our rural economies,” said Agriculture Minister Greg Morrow in a news release. “We made a commitment to follow up with Wine Growers Nova Scotia on longer-term funding, and we look forward to productive discussions.”

Prior to the introduction of the interim program, Nova Scotia grape growers rejected an offer of an extra $1.6 million in support from the government, claiming it was unfair as it included a subsidy to commercial bottlers.

“We are thrilled to be at the table with the Province having these discussions, both with Agriculture and Finance,” said Karl Coutinho, board chair with Wine Growers Nova Scotia. “It is clear, with announcements like this program, that the Province is working with our industry and continuing to invest back into it, which will help our wine and grape sector in Nova Scotia continue to grow.

“We look forward to working together with the Province on the next steps on this journey together.”

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