Saving Energy on the Farm

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Nova Scotia farmers are looking at ways to make their operations more sustainable by conserving energy and saving money.

Renewable Energy on the Farm is a one-day conference that will be held next week to help operators focus on energy conservation, alternative sources of energy and new technologies for the agricultural sector.

"High oil prices and increasing global energy demands are causing our producers to look at ways they can address these issues," said Chris d'Entremont, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries. "The conference will provide practical information which Nova Scotia producers can apply to their farm operations."

The conference will look at energy conservation on the farm; bio-mass combustion; wind and solar opportunities; and bio-gas/co-digestion. Two sessions are scheduled, one on Monday, Feb. 27, at the Old Orchard Inn near Wolfville, and one on Tuesday, Feb. 28, at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre.

"Producing renewable energy makes economic sense for farmers," said acting Energy Minister Angus MacIsaac. "In some cases, these farmers can become energy self-sufficient and sell surplus electricity back to the power grid."

The Inverness-Victoria Federation of Agriculture is presenting the conference in partnership with the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture, the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Department of Energy.

To register contact the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture at 902-893-2293 or by e-mail: nsfawanda@eastlink.ca .

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FOR BROADCAST USE:

     Nova Scotia farmers are looking to make their operations

more sustainable by conserving energy and saving money.

     A one-day conference, being offered on February 27th at

the Old Orchard Inn near Wolfville and on February 28th at the

Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre, will focus on energy conservation,

alternative energy sources and new technologies for the

agricultural sector.

     Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Chris d'Entremont says

producers are looking at ways to address high oil prices and

increasing global energy demands and make changes on the farm.

     Farmers can contact the Nova Scotia Federation of

Agriculture to register.

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Media Contact: Susan Mader Zinck
              Agriculture and Fisheries
              902-424-8963
              E-mail: madersd@gov.ns.ca