Nova Scotia farmers will be able to spend more time producing food and less time managing their plastic waste, with support from the Province.
Cleanfarms, a not-for-profit organization that helps farmers recycle agricultural plastics – including hay bale wrap and feed tarps – and operate more sustainably, has received $76,000 to expand its plastics recycling pilot project across Nova Scotia.
Greg Morrow, Minister of Agriculture, announced the funding today, August 4, on behalf of Timothy Halman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, at Glendyer Farm in Mabou, Inverness County.
“Farmers are the backbone of rural Nova Scotia and are committed to stewarding the land and the environment,” said Minister Morrow. “Our government is pleased to support the Cleanfarms recycling program, which is designed specifically for the agriculture sector. Their work will provide an economic benefit to farmers, help advance our circular economy and support a cleaner and more sustainable agricultural sector.”
Three farms in Inverness County have been participating, using a compactor to break down plastic waste, which is then taken to Cleanfarms collection sites. This is a pilot project that runs through October 2027 and will inform potential next steps for Nova Scotia farmers who have hay bale and feed covers and want to participate.
The organization’s recycling programs help divert thousands of tonnes of plastic from landfills across Canada each year. Other Cleanfarms programs in Nova Scotia include agricultural pesticide container recycling and disposal of pesticide and old livestock and horse medications.
The funding is provided through the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund, a grant program that helps Nova Scotians adapt to climate change and/or mitigate its impacts.
Source : News Nova Scotia