Nova Scotia Hosts Water Experts from Prairies

AGRICULTURE/FISHERIES--Nova Scotia Hosts Water Experts from Prairies

The Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is hosting members of the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration (PFRA) who are helping to find water resource management solutions for Nova Scotia's agricultural community.

"Four of the last five years have brought drought conditions to Nova Scotia, seriously affecting crops and livestock in some areas," said Ernest Fage, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister. "Perhaps our industry can learn from the innovation, technology and practices that support agriculture in the prairies, and implement some ideas that will help our industry."

In December 2001, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada announced up to $300,000 in federal funding for initiatives in Nova Scotia that will increase water supply in drought-stricken areas. During March, PFRA participated in water management activities.

Three on-site specialists are touring the province providing producers with water management and development options for dealing with drought-related issues. PFRA, in consultation with the province, Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture and the Growers Water Group, will select a consultant using a proposal selection process. The consultant will undertake watershed assessments of the Cornwallis, Habitant and Pereaux rivers in Kings County.

PFRA will convert existing well database information in water- short areas, like the Annapolis Valley, into a format compatible with known geological and bedrock information. The group will also make a presentation on water issues at the Scotia Water Management conference on March 26 and 27 in Coldbrook.

"We are bringing lessons learned from the prairies to Nova Scotia producers," said Stella Fedenuik, PFRA coordinator for the Nova Scotia initiative. "Many public sessions have been well attended and we are looking forward to sharing more information with a large cross-section of the industry at the water conference."

The department has been responsible for providing background information, planning logistical and travel arrangements and co- ordinating public meetings and individual farm visits for the group.