Nova Scotia introduces $300K pilot initiative to assist consumers in recognizing local products

The Nova Scotia government has announced a pilot program to help people buy local in response to the looming trade war with the United States. Development Minister Colton LeBlanc stated that it is important to make it easier for the public to identify and purchase products from Nova Scotia. The program will offer businesses a 70% rebate on eligible expenses incurred for adding the “Nova Scotia Loyal” logo to their products, with a maximum rebate of $3,000 per business. This will help cover expenses such as graphic design work and the production of new packaging, labels, and dies.

Joanna Gould-Thorpe, from Avon Valley Floral in Falmouth, N.S., highlighted the importance of labeling in helping customers discover their products. Rebecca Tran, of the Station Food Company, noted that the government support will assist companies in making the decision to change their boxes, labels, and packaging to make their products more identifiable as local. This initiative aims to promote and support local businesses in Nova Scotia in the face of economic uncertainties resulting from potential tariffs imposed by the United States.

U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed that economy-wide tariffs on Canada and Mexico will proceed as planned, which may result in retaliatory tariffs. In response to this, Nova Scotia is proactively implementing measures to support and promote local businesses. The pilot program is designed to encourage consumers to buy local products and support the economy of Nova Scotia. By providing financial assistance to businesses to improve their branding and labeling, the government hopes to increase awareness and demand for locally produced goods.

The rebate program will help cover expenses related to the inclusion of the “Nova Scotia Loyal” logo on products, such as graphic design work, printing, and production of new packaging. This financial support is intended to alleviate the costs associated with rebranding and packaging updates, making it easier for businesses to transition to promoting their products as locally made. By providing a tangible incentive for businesses to participate in the program, the government aims to increase the visibility and recognition of Nova Scotia products in the marketplace.

Joanna Gould-Thorpe emphasized the importance of labeling in helping consumers identify and choose products from local businesses. For Avon Valley Floral, labeling plays a crucial role in making their products stand out on the shelves of big box stores. Rebecca Tran, from the Station Food Company, highlighted that the government support will enable companies to make necessary changes to their packaging and labeling, ultimately helping their products appeal to customers looking to support local businesses.

Overall, the pilot program introduced by the Nova Scotia government aims to support and promote local businesses in the face of economic challenges brought about by potential tariffs imposed by the United States. By incentivizing businesses to include the “Nova Scotia Loyal” logo on their products, the government is making it easier for consumers to identify and choose locally made goods. This initiative not only supports the economy of Nova Scotia but also helps businesses enhance their branding and market their products effectively to a wider audience.