There’s a new subsidy for fruit farmers to help them protect
orchards during cold snaps.
The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced it
will share up to 35 per cent of the cost of weather mitigation equipment such
as portable or fixed wind machines, heating and air movement devices, insulating
devices, overhead irrigation systems, and crop covers.
Growers can be eligible to receive up to a maximum of $31,500 per project.
Growers may apply for funding through the Ontario Crop and Soil Improvement
Association, which administers the program, and will accept applications at several
times over the next couple of years. The first intake is from October 22 to
November 5, 2015.
Charles Stevens, chairman of the Ontario Apple Growers, said the members
of his organization "strongly welcome the support for cold weather
mitigation measures.
“This support will help to reduce the impact of cold temperatures,
ensuring farmers are able to provide consumers with a more stable supply of
local Ontario apples for them to enjoy.”
