Note: Polar Vortex Industry Recovery Program Phase 3 has two sets of guidelines and applications; one for registered farms and one for registered associations. Note: Deadline for applications has been extended to November 8, 2024.
Phase 3 Polar Vortex Industry Recovery Program – Registered Farms Guidelines & Application is NOW CLOSED for applications.
Step 1: Apply Online Now- Application
Step 2: Apply Online Now - Prioritization of Activities (must accompany application)
Program Objective
The objective of the Polar Vortex Industry Recovery program is to address the immediate need of the industries who were affected by the February 2023 Polar Vortex weather event, including soft berry fruits, grapes, and fruit trees. Phase three activities focus on recovery and preparedness in two main streams:
-
Stream One: Recovery
-
Stream Two: Preparedness
Phase 3 Important Notice: Funding amounts, maximum funding per farm or per activity, and cost sharing amounts will be determined after receipt of all applications.
Stream One: Recovery
Activity 1: Removal, Replant, and Vine/Tree/Plant Replacement
- Outline the number vines/trees/plants you intend to plant to be fully recovered from the February 2023 Polar Vortex. List the total costs in detail for removal and replant (including trellis replacement if applicable).
Activity 2: Orchard/Vineyard Health Management, Monitoring, & Maintenance
- Outline all extraordinary activities and costs associated with health management, monitoring, and maintenance of your vines/trees/plants that were impacted by the Polar Vortex event in February 2023.
- Including but not limited to:
- Fruit removal
- Thinning
- Including but not limited to:
Activity 3: Infrastructure & Equipment
- Outline cost of infrastructure (ie. trellis) and/or equipment (ie. planting/augers)) you require and are investing in to recover from the Polar Vortex event in February 2023. Applications for shared equipment and collaboration between growers are welcome.
Activity 4: Recovery Other Case by Case Activities
- If what you need to recover from the February 2023 Polar Vortex event has not been considered in Activity 1, 2 or 3, please outline below your need in detail including costs.
Stream Two: Preparedness
Activity 1: Cold Protection Strategies & Equipment
- Provide a detailed list with costs of what cold protection strategies and equipment your operation will invest in to protect from future cold events along with an explanation of how it will benefit your operation.
Activity 2: Infrastructure Improvements
- Open application to producers to request investment to optimize resilience and preparedness for future cold events. Provide a detailed list of infrastructure improvements you require and are prepared to invest in and detailed costs.
Activity 3: Preparedness Other Case by Case Activities
- If what you need to be prepared for future cold climate events has not been considered in Activity 1, 2, 3, or 4 please outline below your need in detail including costs.
Eligible Applicants
- Producers that own or operate farms containing eligible crops with a minimum size of ½ acre that were impacted by the Polar Vortex in February 2023.
- Mi’kmaq conducting farming activities in a Mi’kmaw community.
Program Criteria
- Currently and properly registered in the correct income category under the Farm Registration Act.
- Is at least 19 years of age, a resident of Nova Scotia and actively farming in the program year.
- Cropping location is within the region of recorded low temperatures during the Polar Vortex Period (February 4/5th, 2023).
Eligible Crops
- Cane Blackberry
- Cane Raspberry
- Grapes
- Vinifera
- Hybrids
- High Bush Blueberries
- Peaches/Nectarines/Plums
- Sweet & Sour Cherries
Ineligible Activities
These include but are not limited to:
- administrative / general overhead
- small construction tools
- operating expenses / existing staff salaries / travel
- HST
Application Requirements
Completed application submitted no later than October 30, 2024 – DEADLINE Extended to November 8th, 2024
Completed affidavit with witness signature submitted no later than October 30, 2024
Completed prioritization of activities form
PID’s listed (Stream 3). Required if you did not apply for Phase 1 or 2
Application Process
- Review the guidelines thoroughly.
- For any activity applicants wish to apply for, complete the application.
- Applicants submit application by October 30, 2024.
- Polar Vortex Coordinator will review applications, complete calculations and send for review to the Polar Vortex Committee. Applications will be reviewed by a committee consisting of representatives from Horticulture Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture, and Perennia. Applications will be screened according to recorded weather data collected on February 4th/5th, 2023 compared to the temperature thresholds for each crop as listed in phase 3 program guidelines.
- Available support will be determined based on the total of all requests received.
- Agreement letters outlining what has been approved and at what cost shared percentage will be sent to applicants.
- Applicants review approval and either agree, decline, or request modification and sent back to Polar Vortex Coordinator.
- Confirmation of receipt of signed agreement will be sent.
- Applicants will then be able to begin submitting claims once they have confirmation of signed agreement. All approvals will be retroactive to activity period listed above. Once approved, activity reports (all invoices & proof of payment) can be submitted for processing.
- Approved applicants can then complete the activity reports as the work within the activities is complete. Supply all supporting documentation whenever an activity is complete or all by September 30, 2025.
- Payments will be made as completed activity reports come in.
Note 1: No payment will be made for claims under $20.00.
Note 2: At least 20% of all projects will be audited to verify program objectives.
|
Application Intake |
Activity Period |
| September 17, 2024 – October 30, 2024 |
April 30 2024 – August 29, 2025 (Removal/Replant Activity April 1, 2023 – August 29, 2025)
|
Permits and Regulations
The Recipient must ensure that all work in respect of the Project is carried out in accordance with federal and provincial legislation and regulations regarding environmental impact, food safety and animal welfare. It is the Recipient’s responsibility to research legislative and regulatory requirements, obtain required permits and ensure environmental compliance for the Project.
Authority
Horticulture Nova Scotia shall have the authority to deny an application if there is evidence of misrepresentation of pertinent information or if Horticulture Nova Scotia believes that an application does not conform to the spirit of the Program.
Evaluation and Audit
Review and evaluation of projects may be carried out by Horticulture Nova Scotia for the purpose of audit, analysis, evaluation, program development and determining financial assistance. This review and evaluation process may be conducted prior to project commencement, during work or upon project completion. Applicants may be asked to complete an evaluation survey related to their final claim.
Confidentiality
Applicants consent to the release of their name and the amount of support received under the Program. This specific information is deemed to be public information, to be actively disseminated by Horticulture Nova Scotia. Horticulture Nova Scotia may provide any information from an applicant to another public body or a law-enforcement agency in Canada to assist in an investigation, undertaken with a view to a law-enforcement proceeding or from which a law-enforcement proceeding is likely to result. Any other information provided, unless disclosed in the manner and for the purposes stated above, will be subject to the confidentiality and disclosure provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIPOP) Act.
Contact Information
Please submit all documents related to Polar Vortex Recovery Program to Horticulture Nova Scotia at the address, email or fax number below. For more information about the program, please contact Horticulture Nova Scotia.
Horticulture Nova Scotia
32 Main Street, Blair House
Kentville Agricultural Centre
Kentville, NS
B4N1J5
patricia@horticulturens.ca
C: 902-670-3277
F: 902-678-1280
P: 902-678-9335
To print the guidelines, application, and prioritization of activities please click the links below. Mail, fax, or email to the address above.
Download PDF Phase 3 guidelines for registered farms
Download PDF application. Fill in and mail to Horticulture NS. 32 Main St. Kentville NS B4N1J5
Download PDF Prioritization of Activities (must accompany application)
To apply online for Phase 3 Polar Vortex Industry Recovery Program for Registered Farms click the links below:
Step 1: Apply Online Now- Application
Step 2: Apply Online Now - Prioritization of Activities (must accompany application)
Phase 3 Polar Vortex Industry Recovery Program for Associations is NOW CLOSED for applications.
Click here for a pdf version on the guidelines.
Click here for a pdf version of the application.
Click here to apply online for Polar Vortex Industry Recovery Program for Associations.
Associations: Best Practices, Education, and Recovery
As our industries recover from the February 2023 Polar Vortex event, we see a significant role for associations to support growers with opportunities for learning best practices (to reduce the impact from cold climate events) and to provide education. Activities that directly benefits producers while supporting the development of our industries out of recovery and into preparedness for future cold events will be considered.
Program Criteria
- You must be a registered industry associations in Nova Scotia for at least one of the eligible crops listed.
Eligible Crops
- Cane Blackberry
- Cane Raspberry
- Grapes
- Vinifera
- Hybrids
- High Bush Blueberries
- Peaches/Nectarines/Plums
- Sweet & Sour Cherries
Eligible Activities
- Education or best practices for association members to reduce impact of cold weather events on orchards/vineyards (cold climate mitigation strategies, planning and preparedness).
- Initiatives that provide direct benefit to producers while supporting the development of the industry as it recovers and prepares for cold climate events (ie. collaboration, coordination, shared infrastructure).
| Application Intake | Activity Period |
| September 19, 2024 – October 30, 2024 | November 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025
|
Application Requirements
Completed application submitted no later than October 30, 2024
Completed affidavit with witness signature submitted no later than October 30 2024
Application Process
- Polar Vortex Coordinator will review applications, complete calculations and send for review to the Polar Vortex Committee. Applications will be reviewed by a committee consisting of representatives from Horticulture Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture, and Perennia.
- Available support will be determined based on the total of all requests received.
- Approval letters will be sent.
- Approved applicants can then complete the activity reports. Supply all supporting documentation whenever an activity is complete or all by October 15, 2025.
- Payments will be made as completed activity reports come in.
Note 1: No payment will be made for claims under $20.00.
Note 2: At least 20% of all projects will be audited to verify program objectives.
Permits and Regulations
The Recipient must ensure that all work in respect of the Project is carried out in accordance with federal and provincial legislation and regulations regarding environmental impact, food safety and animal welfare. It is the Recipient’s responsibility to research legislative and regulatory requirements, obtain required permits and ensure environmental compliance for the Project.
Authority
Horticulture Nova Scotia shall have the authority to deny an application if there is evidence of misrepresentation of pertinent information or if Horticulture Nova Scotia believes that an application does not conform to the spirit of the Program.
Evaluation and Audit
Review and evaluation of projects may be carried out by Horticulture Nova Scotia for the purpose of audit, analysis, evaluation, program development and determining financial assistance. This review and evaluation process may be conducted prior to project commencement, during work or upon project completion. Applicants may be asked to complete an evaluation survey related to their final claim.
Confidentiality
Applicants consent to the release of their name and the amount of support received under the Program. This specific information is deemed to be public information, to be actively disseminated by Horticulture Nova Scotia. Horticulture Nova Scotia may provide any information from an applicant to another public body or a law-enforcement agency in Canada to assist in an investigation, undertaken with a view to a law-enforcement proceeding or from which a law-enforcement proceeding is likely to result. Any other information provided, unless disclosed in the manner and for the purposes stated above, will be subject to the confidentiality and disclosure provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIPOP) Act.
Contact Information
Please submit all documents related to Polar Vortex Recovery Program to Horticulture Nova Scotia at the address, email or fax number below. For more information about the program, please contact Horticulture Nova Scotia.
Horticulture Nova Scotia
32 Main Street, Blair House
Kentville Agricultural Centre
Kentville, NS
B4N1J5
patricia@horticulturens.ca
P: 902-678-9335
C: 902-670-3277
F: 902-678-1280
Polar Vortex Industry Recovery Program Guidelines
Phase 2 (now closed)
(Download PDF Version of Guidelines)
Program Objective
The objective of Phase 2 of the Polar Vortex Industry Recovery program is to address the needs of industries who were affected by the February 2023 Polar Vortex weather event, including cane fruit, high bush blueberries, grapes, and fruit trees. Phase two activities will include assistance for virus testing, plant material cost, as well as crop maintenance.
Eligible Applicants
- Producers that own or operate farms containing eligible crops with a minimum size of ½ acre impacted by the Polar Vortex in February 2023.
- Mi’kmaq conducting farming activities in a Mi’kmaw community.
Program Criteria
- Applicants must be currently and properly registered in the correct income category under the Farm Registration Act
- Applicants must be at least 19 years of age, a resident of Nova Scotia, and was actively farming in February 2023, and is actively farming in 2024
- The cropping location is within the region of recorded low temperatures during the Polar Vortex Period (February 4/5th, 2023)
Eligible Crops
Cane Blackberry
Cane Raspberry
Grapes Vinifera
Grapes Hybrids
High Bush Blueberries
Peaches/Nectarines
Plums
Sweet & Sour Cherries
Financial Assistance / Eligible Expenses
Stream 1: Virus Testing (grapes)
To support and encourage disease free replanting and on-farm propagation, Stream 1 will fund up to 100% of the testing cost for vines to a maximum of $2500 per farm. Testing must be done at a recognized lab.
Tests supported under this stream include: Leafroll-1, Leafroll-3, GPGV and Red Blotch
Eligible expenses include cost of virus testing only.
Stream 2: Maintenance Recovery
Maintenance recovery will be calculated based on the total number of acres of each eligible crop at an assistance level of 70%. The maintenance recovery rate has been calculated using producer data submitted through the Polar Vortex Impact Survey.
| Crop | Maintenance Rate | Program support | Maximum funding per acre |
| Cane Berries (Raspberry & Blackberry) | $800 |
70%
|
$560 |
| Grapes | $3900 | $2730 | |
| High Bush Blueberries | $1400 | $980 | |
| Peaches | $1400 | $980 | |
| Plums | $500 | $350 | |
| Sweet/Sour Cherries | $800 | $560 |
Note 1: Funding for the program is limited and the final decision to support will be determined by Horticulture Nova Scotia
Note 2: If applicant did not apply for Polar Vortex Industry Recovery Phase One then PID’s are required for each field.
Note 3: Maintenance Recovery Phase 2 is based on extraordinary pruning costs to maintain trees/vines/plants because of excessive growth caused by the Polar Vortex Event in February 2023. For Grapes it also includes the extraordinary costs of tying.
Stream 3: Replant Recovery Support
| Crop | Program support | Maximum funding |
| Cane Berries (Raspberry & Blackberry) |
50% |
$5.62 |
| Grapes Hybrid | $1.11 | |
| Grape Vinifera | $2.50 | |
| High Bush Blueberries | $3.37 | |
| Peaches | $6.00 | |
| Plums | $6.00 | |
| Sweet/Sour Cherries | $6.00 |
This stream covers 50% of your invoice to a maximum per plant (as listed in the chart above) for new plant material needed to replace dead or significantly damaged plants in order for the industry to recover from the Polar Vortex event in February 2023.
Note 1: If you have already purchased plant material in 2023 to replant because of your losses from Polar Vortex you are eligible to apply for this replant recovery support.
Note 2: Submit proof of use of planting material from certified sources that is produced from virus-tested rootstock and scion material (is highly recommended) or own propagated virus-tested rootstock.
Ineligible Activities
These include but are not limited to:
- administrative / general overhead
- small construction tools
- operating expenses / existing staff salaries / travel
- HST
Application Process
To apply for the Polar Vortex Industry Recovery Phase 2 Program:
- Complete and submit the application.
- Complete and submit the affidavit.
- Include all required support documentation.
- PID’s listed (Stream 2). Required if you did not apply for Phase 1.
- Paid invoices for plant material purchases & virus testing (for Stream1 & Stream 3). Attach proof of payment for each invoice – e-transfer confirmation, debit slips, cleared cheques, or credit card/bank statements. (Invoices marked paid and signed by the supplier are not accepted)
- Eligible project expenses will be recognized within the Activity Period stated in the table below.
| Application Intake | Activity Period |
| April 4, 2024–May 30, 2024 | April 30, 2023 – April 30, 2024 |
Approval Process
Applications will be accepted, processed, and reviewed upon receipt and on a weekly basis.
Applications will be reviewed by a committee consisting of representatives from Horticulture Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture, and Perennia. Applications will be screened according to recorded weather data collected on February 4th/5th, 2023 compared to the temperature thresholds for each crop as listed in phase 1 program guidelines.
All approved applications will be sent an approval letter and payments once all of the required documentation is submitted.
Note 1: No payment will be made for claims under $20.00.
Note 2: At least 20% of all projects will be audited to verify program objectives.
Permits and Regulations
The Recipient must ensure that all work in respect of the Project is carried out in accordance with federal and provincial legislation and regulations regarding environmental impact, food safety and animal welfare. It is the Recipient’s responsibility to research legislative and regulatory requirements, obtain required permits and ensure environmental compliance for the Project.
Authority
Horticulture Nova Scotia shall have the authority to deny an application if there is evidence of misrepresentation of pertinent information or if Horticulture Nova Scotia believes that an application does not conform to the spirit of the Program.
Evaluation and Audit
Review and evaluation of projects may be carried out by Horticulture Nova Scotia for the purpose of audit, analysis, evaluation, program development and determining financial assistance. This review and evaluation process may be conducted prior to project commencement, during work or upon project completion. Applicants may be asked to complete an evaluation survey related to their final claim.
Confidentiality
Applicants consent to the release of their name and the amount of support received under the Program. This specific information is deemed to be public information, to be actively disseminated by Horticulture Nova Scotia. Horticulture Nova Scotia may provide any information from an applicant to another public body or a law-enforcement agency in Canada to assist in an investigation, undertaken with a view to a law-enforcement proceeding or from which a law-enforcement proceeding is likely to result. Any other information provided, unless disclosed in the manner and for the purposes stated above, will be subject to the confidentiality and disclosure provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIPOP) Act.
Contact Information
Please submit all documents related to Polar Vortex Recovery Program to Horticulture Nova Scotia at the address, email or fax number below. For more information about the program, please contact Horticulture Nova Scotia.
Horticulture Nova Scotia
32 Main Street, Blair House
Kentville Agricultural Centre
Kentville, NS B4N1J5
P: 902-678-9335 F: 902-678-1280
C: 902-403-7218
This program is now closed.
Phase 1 Polar Vortex Industry Recovery Guidelines (Download PDF Version)
Phase 1
2023-2024
Program Objective
The objective of the Polar Vortex Industry Recovery program is to address the immediate need of the industries who were affected by the February 2023 Polar Vortex weather event, including soft berry fruits, grapes, and fruit trees. Phase one activities will include assistance with virus testing as well as crop maintenance.
Eligible Applicants
- Producers that own or operate orchards and/or vineyards containing eligible crops with a minimum size of ½ acre that were impacted by the Polar Vortex in February 2023.
- Mi’kmaq conducting farming activities in a Mi’kmaw community.
Program Criteria
- Currently and properly registered in the correct income category under the Farm Registration Act
- Producers are at least 19 years of age, a resident of Nova Scotia and actively farming in the program year.
- Cropping location is within the region of recorded low temperatures during the Polar Vortex Period of February 4/5th, 2023. (cross referenced with crops cold tolerance temperature listed below)
Eligible Crops
- Cane Blackberry (-18oC)
- Cane Raspberry (-22oC)
- Grapes
- vinifera (-23oC)
- hybrids (-26oC)
- Peaches (-23oC)
- Plums (-23oC)
- Sour Cherries (-26oC)
- Sweet Cherries (-26oC)
Note: Other crops and specific varieties will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Financial Assistance / Eligible Expenses
Stream 1: Virus Testing (grapes)
To support and encourage disease free replanting and on-farm propagation, Stream 1 will fund up to 100% of the testing cost for vines to a maximum of $2500 per farm. Testing must be done at a recognized lab.
Tests supported under this stream include: Leafroll-1, Leafroll-3, GPGV and Red Blotch
Eligible expenses include cost of virus testing only.
Stream 2: Maintenance Recovery
Maintenance recovery will be calculated based on the total number of acres of each eligible crop that sustained damage.
A maximum of $50,000 per farm at an assistance level of 60% will be covered for each eligible crop.
The maintenance recovery rate has been calculated using producer data submitted through the Polar Vortex Impact Survey.
| Crop | Maintenance Rate | Program support |
Maximum funding per acre |
| Cane Berries (Raspberry & Blackberry) | $3,166 |
60% |
$1,900 |
| Grapes Hybrid | $3,080 | $1,848 | |
| Grapes Vinifera | $5,775 | $3,465 | |
| Peaches | $6,750 | $4,050 | |
| Plums | $4,987 | $2,993 | |
| Sweet/Sour Cherries | $6,750 | $4,050 |
Note 1: Funding for the program is limited and the final decision to support will be determined by Horticulture Nova Scotia
Note 2: Applicants must include PID numbers (Property Identification Numbers) and maps or GPS coordinates showing the area of the various crops that can be used for verification. Written directions are required where directions to an orchard/field are more challenging.
Ineligible Activities
These include but are not limited to:
- administrative / general overhead
- small construction tools
- operating expenses / existing staff salaries / travel
- HST
Application Process
To apply for the Polar Vortex Industry Recovery Phase 1 Program:
- Complete and submit the application.
- Complete and submit the affidavit (included in the application).
- Include all required support documentation.
- paid invoices for virus testing (Stream 1). Attach proof of payment for each invoice – e-transfer confirmation, debit slips, cleared cheques, or credit card/bank statements. (Invoices marked paid and signed by the supplier are not accepted)
- PID’s listed and maps of eligible crop locations for verification purposes (Stream 2)
- Eligible project expenses will be recognized within the Activity Period stated in the table below.
| Application Intake | Activity Period |
| October 6, 2023 – November 30, 2023 | February 4, 2023 – November 30, 2023 |
(ONLINE) Fill in the Polar Vortex Industry Recovery Application Form Phase 1 Online Now
After you complete your form, you will need to verify your email. Once verify your email (in your email), your application will arrive in our inbox. Patricia will send you an email that she has received your application.
(EMAIL or MAIL-IN) Fillable & Printable Application Form: Polar Vortex Industry Recovery Program Application Phase 1
Approval Process
Applications will be reviewed by a committee consisting of representatives from Horticulture Nova Scotia and Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture. Applicants will be screened according to recorded weather data collected on February 4th/5th. Eligible producers who were in areas that sustained temperatures listed on page 2 will be considered under this program, all other crops will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
All approved applications will be sent an approval letter and payments will follow.
Note 1: No payment will be made for claims under $20.00.
Note 2: At least 20% of all projects will be audited to verify program objectives.
Permits and Regulations
The Recipient must ensure that all work in respect of the Project is carried out in accordance with federal and provincial legislation and regulations regarding environmental impact, food safety and animal welfare. It is the Recipient’s responsibility to research legislative and regulatory requirements, obtain required permits and ensure environmental compliance for the Project.
Authority
Horticulture Nova Scotia shall have the authority to deny an application if there is evidence of misrepresentation of pertinent information or if Horticulture Nova Scotia believes that an application does not conform to the spirit of the Program.
Evaluation and Audit
Review and evaluation of projects may be carried out by Horticulture Nova Scotia for the purpose of audit, analysis, evaluation, program development and determining financial assistance. This review and evaluation process may be conducted prior to project commencement, during work or upon project completion. Applicants may be asked to complete an evaluation survey related to their final claim.
Confidentiality
Applicants consent to the release of their name and the amount of support received under the Program. This specific information is deemed to be public information, to be actively disseminated by Horticulture Nova Scotia. Horticulture Nova Scotia may provide any information from an applicant to another public body or a law-enforcement agency in Canada to assist in an investigation, undertaken with a view to a law-enforcement proceeding or from which a law-enforcement proceeding is likely to result. Any other information provided, unless disclosed in the manner and for the purposes stated above, will be subject to the confidentiality and disclosure provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIPOP) Act.
Contact Information
Please submit all documents related to Polar Vortex Recovery Program to Horticulture Nova Scotia at the address, email or fax number below. For more information about the program, please contact Horticulture Nova Scotia.
Horticulture Nova Scotia
32 Main Street, Blair House
Kentville Agricultural Centre
Kentville, NS
B4N1J5
P: 902-678-9335
C: 902-403-7218
F: 902-678-1280