Wild blueberry and apple farmers in Nova Scotia can now apply for funding to buy new equipment for safer and more efficient harvesting.

Equipment eligible for funding includes tree fruit harvest-assist platforms, front-mounted blueberry rakes and 48- or 60-inch blueberry harvester heads. This equipment increases efficiency. Apple harvest-assist platforms, for example, reduce harvest time by about 20 per cent by eliminating the need for ladders.

Farmers can apply for up to $50,000 through the new Wild Blueberry and Apple Harvest Efficiency Program, which can provide up to $1.2 million over the next two years.

“The wild blueberry industry has had a tough couple years, with increased costs and lower returns,” says Peter Burgess, executive director, Wild Blueberry Producers’ Association of Nova Scotia. “Investing in new and more efficient equipment is part of a long-term strategy to make our farms more viable. This harvester efficiency program is one component of that strategy, for those farms that are looking to modernize and have the flexibility to do so. This program will help reduce the capital costs for farms that see these harvester upgrades as the right option for their operation.”

“This program supporting new labour-saving equipment for our growers will make harvesting and other orchard activities easier and more efficient,” adds Emily Lutz, executive director, Nova Scotia Fruit Growers’ Association. “Our growers have invested heavily in planting modern, high-density orchards that are designed to implement technology such as platforms and harvest-assists included in this program. After coping with various weather challenges in recent years, growers need exactly this type of practical support to help their operations gain strength and plan for future growth. We are pleased to be working with the province on this equipment program for apple growers.”

Wild blueberries are Nova Scotia’s largest agricultural product, generating more than $121 million in annual exports. Apples generate close to $31 million in exports per year. 

Source:  Nova Scotia Ministry of Agriculture January 28, 2025 news release