Nova Scotia is taking steps to move toward its goal of having 20 per cent of food purchases come from local sources by 2030. The initiative is part of a new pilot project being launched in Atlantic Canada's largest long-term care facility.

Agriculture Minister Greg Morrow announced an additional $900,000 in dedicated funding to help get more locally grown produce food and large-scale kitchens for new pilots like the one announced earlier this week with Northwood Long Term Care facility. On Fri. Morrow announced a $250,000 program that will be piloted for three months at Halifax-based long-term care facility Northwood.

"We have ambitious goals when it comes to buying local we want 20% of all money spent on food in this province to be on local food by 2030. So we've launched a new pilot project at Northwood, Halifax campus that puts more local food and beverages on the menu at Northwood, and helps us reach our 2030 goal," said Minister of Agriculture Greg Morrow. The pilot project will give Northwood access to tap into the expertise of a chairman team, and a network of producers and suppliers around the province.

"Northwood is the largest long-term care facility in Atlantic Canada so we're providing $250,000 there. The funding will be based on the institution and size and needs," he said.

Morrow said the work is underway to expand the pilot program to more nursing homes, health care facilities, public schools, post-secondary institutions and correctional facilities.

As we approach the new year, Morrow said the province is heading into a new five-year agreement with the federal government, the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership expected to launch on Apr. 1.

The partnership investment by federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) governments will strengthen and grow Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector.

Listen to the CKDU interview below: