Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Neil LeClair said the announcement of a new, $9.9 million on-farm energy program completes one of the first actions identified under the provincial government’s Rural Action Plan. The plan identified some 40 actions that will be carried out over the next four years.
“One of the major goals of the Rural Action Plan is to enable the growth of innovative, competitive and sustainable primary industries in order to ensure that they remain pillars of the rural economy,” said Minister LeClair. “The new on-farm energy program reflects the commitment of the provincial government to improving the competitive position and support innovations in the agriculture industry.”
Under the Renewable Energy Initiative, farmers will be provided financial incentives to use solar, biogas, wind and biomass as sources of energy. The completion of a farm energy audit will help them determine which source and what equipment best meets their needs. Under the BioEconomy Crop Initiative, there will be an evaluation of the economic and environmental benefits of crops such as fall rye, perennial grasses and hybrid willows.
The Rural Action Plan announced late last month contains a number of actions aimed at supporting the agriculture industry.
“Previously announced amendments to the Lands Protection Act, the establishment of a new Culinary Alliance to increase exports of food products and the announcement of the new on-farm energy program have already delivered on three of those actions,” said Minister LeClair. “Over the coming weeks and months, further initiatives aimed at the agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture industries will be announced.”