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NS NDP would offer program to fruit, organic farmers

September 23, 2013, Halifax, NS – Nova Scotia’s New Democrats said recently they would offer a new loan program to fruit and organic farmers if elected in October.

Premier Darrell Dexter said the program would allow farmers to deter a portion of their loan payments until after their crop is harvested and sold.

Dexter said that would allow farmers to grow their crops without financial pressures

.“Fruit growers and organic farmers need a longer time from when they plant their crop to when they can harvest and sell it,” said Dexter in a news release.

“Hard working farming families need stability to know they can keep planting in new crops.

”The loans would be offered through the provincial government’s Farm Loan Board, which already works with local farmers.”

The NDP said there would be no new costs associated with the initiative.

Dexter also pointed to a $400,000 expansion of a loan program for new farmers entering the business announced in August.