A Bumper Crop of Opportunity
Since the 1600s, when Acadian (descendants of French colonists) settlers arrived with the technology to create extraordinarily fertile dykelands, Nova Scotia has been a leader in agricultural innovation, diversity and efficiency.
One of Canada’s smallest provinces, Nova Scotia regularly punches above its weight in agri-food and beverages. The province is home to the world’s largest supplier of frozen wild blueberries, North America’s largest processor of frozen carrot products, and the largest supplier of OMEGA-3 EPA/DHA to the global food and beverage industry.
Nova Scotia has nearly 4,000 farms, and more than 10,000 jobs are linked to agriculture and the agri-food and beverage industry. Our modern transportation infrastructure, including an international airport and a seaport, delivers our products quickly and efficiently to customers all over the world.
In 2015, Nova Scotia exported farm products to 62 countries.
In the Annapolis Valley alone, more than 1,000 farms produce a cornucopia of fresh, nutritious and value-added products. Our apples are renowned for their crisp texture, freshness and taste, and popular new varieties such as Honeycrisp love our climate.
Nova Scotia also produces one of Canada’s most popular exports – maple syrup. We also harvest strawberries, cranberries and field vegetables.
Our flourishing beverage industry exports wines, spirits, beers (including craft beers and ales), juices, ciders, and bottled water. One bottler of Nova Scotia spring water exports to over 35 countries, shipping more than 30 containers from the Port of Halifax in 2015.
When you walk through the rolling hills of Nova Scotia wine country, you’re never more than 20 kilometres from the ocean. Our internationally recognized wineries are producing awardwinning sparkling, white, red, rosé, fruit, and ice wines. The province’s unique Tidal Bay appellation reflects our coastal breezes and cooler climate.
In Nova Scotia, something’s always in season.
Climate Advantage
Almost completely surrounded by water, Nova Scotia enjoys a moderate climate and a growing season that can stretch well into November. The climate of Nova Scotia’s wine region in the Annapolis Valley “bears an uncanny affinity with the Champagne region in France,” according to one local winemaker whose traditional-method sparkling wines are garnering international accolades.
