N.S. program makes it easier for shoppers to identify, buy local products

The Nova Scotia Loyal program aims to make it easier for people to shop local.

Nova Scotia is making it easier for shoppers to identify and buy more local products.

Through the Nova Scotia Loyal Producer Labelling Pilot Program, businesses can apply for a 70 per cent rebate on eligible expenses if they add the Nova Scotia Loyal logo to their products.

The province says eligible labelling expenses include graphic design work and printing and production of new packaging, dies and labels. The maximum rebate is $3,000 per business.

“Now, more than ever, it is important to support those who make and sell Nova Scotia products,” said Colton LeBlanc, minister of Growth and Development, in a news release.

“There is a movement growing in this province to support our local businesses, and this new labelling rebate is going to make it even easier to find Nova Scotia products on store shelves and online.”

More than 270 businesses have registered for the Nova Scotia Loyal program. The provincial government says that number continues to grow each day.

Other Nova Scotia Loyal initiatives include:

• providing information to every Nova Scotia household on where they can find and buy Nova Scotia products
• an expanded website that includes a searchable database of Nova Scotia farmers, growers, crafters, builders, manufacturers and producers
• Nova Scotia Loyal signs at all Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation stores
• signs and merchandising support for large and independent retailers across Nova Scotia
• consumer loyalty reward programs through Scene+ at Sobeys and Air Miles at the NSLC on more than 2,000 local products
• 10 per cent instant cash incentives for online farmers’ markets-Farmers’ Markets of Nova Scotia school vouchers

“Working with NS Loyal’s cost-shared labelling program would help a new Nova Scotia social enterprise business, Summer Street Farm, create professional packaging while keeping our startup costs manageable,” said Cathy Munro, farm operations manager at Summer Street Farm.

“By sharing label design and printing costs, we could build a strong brand presence that showcases our local Nova Scotia products.”

The province is spending $300,000 on the Nova Scotia Loyal Producer Labelling Pilot Program, according to the provincial news release.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page