With a focus on innovation, export growth and community-driven excellence, Nova Scotia is looking to expand its agri-food reach both nationally and internationally

SIAL Canada Daily spoke with the Hon. Greg Morrow, Nova Scotia’s Minister of Agriculture, about the province’s drive to help its producers shine on the international stage.

Can you tell us a little bit about the main priorities of the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture? 
I’m attending SIAL Canada because developing new international markets for our producers is a big priority. In a changing global economy, I’m committed to helping create new markets for our Nova Scotian food and beverage producers.

In the past year in Nova Scotia, we’ve made support for our wine, apple, Christmas Trees and blueberry sectors a priority – because we know how important these products are to our economy. All told, our farm cash revenues for 2024 were $753 million, and these producers were a big part of this. 

We’ve also created the Nova Scotia Beef Initiative to encourage beef producers to increase their herds and make more high-quality beef available to our local consumers. And we’ve worked collaboratively with food and beverage processors to help them to showcase their products at important trade events like SIAL Canada and SIAL Paris. 

How does the Ministry help build a stronger agri-food sector?
Through the shared provincial and federal funding programs we support, we’ve focused on supporting innovation and new technologies so that farmers and agri-businesses can lower their operating costs and stay competitive.  

Our province also has an important program called Nova Scotia Loyal that is raising awareness of Nova Scotian products at major retailers. This year, we’ll be working with our public institutions – especially schools throughout the province – to make sure they’re part of Nova Scotia Loyal, because they have a significant contribution to make in supporting local producers. And we’re working toward profiling Nova Scotia products at the national level with major retailers. 

We have great partnerships at the Department of Agriculture that are helping farmers and agri-businesses adopt clean technologies. These partnerships are helping Nova Scotian farmers with their bottom line, and in some cases, helping them brand their products internationally as being sustainably produced. 

What sets Nova Scotia’s agri-food offer apart? 
For a small province, we deliver in a big way on the diversity of our products. Whether it is world class Honeycrisp apples, healthy wild blueberries grown in Nova Scotia, award-winning wines and beverages, or an innovative new food product, our products are garnering international attention because of their outstanding quality and taste.  

What are some of your key exports?
Nova Scotia exported $487 million in agri-food products in 2024, to more than 70 countries. More than half of our exports are going to the United States, which is an important reason for Nova Scotia to diversify our markets. 

Our top export is wild blueberries. Millions of pounds are exported worldwide each year, totaling $121 million – almost a quarter of all agri-food exports in the province. Other key products include prepared breads and pastries – in particular pies, fresh and frozen vegetables, animal feeds, apples and Christmas trees.

We also have a growing inventory of award-winning beverages, and specialty products that are emerging in the province, as well as staff working in our food and beverage sectors to promote Nova Scotia agri-food products across Canada and internationally.

From local roots to global reach

Hon. Greg Morrow described his goals at SIAL Canada as helping Nova Scotia businesses showcase their products, build relationships, and explore new international market opportunities. He also highlighted that SIAL Canada offers the opportunity to “meet with my provincial colleagues to explore how we can strengthen domestic trade. Our department has built ties with consulates around the world, and SIAL Canada is an important chance to meet consulate representatives face to face.”

According to the minister, SIAL Canada offers Nova Scotian industry members the chance to “network and develop markets both at home and internationally” as well as learn from other Canadian companies who’ve had success in international markets, and renew alliances with traditional markets. 

He underlined that the strength of the Nova Scotian agri-food industry is tied to innovation, but also community: “producers and agri-businesses in Nova Scotia also have deep ties to their community – and that is reflected in the incredible products they produce and the commitment they make to growing our economy.  As a government, we’ll continue to work with producers to create a bright and sustainable future for agriculture.”