“Nova Scotia produces some of the finest mink in the world. With the revival of fur in fashion and the emergence of important new markets in Russia and Asia, we expect continued strong growth over the coming years,” said Dan Mullen.
“These regulations will ensure that we can continue growing while protecting nature, which is as important to farmers as it is to anyone living in this beautiful province.”
The new regulations announced by Agriculture Minister John MacDonell Jan. 11 will apply to farms with more than 100 mink or fox in their breeding herds. They establish procedures for the safe storage, treatment and disposal of manure, waste feed and carcasses.
Some of the requirements include the development of a management plan by a professional engineer, surface water and soil monitoring, minimum distances for locating facilities away from property lines and water courses, and concrete pads for storing compost and solid manure.
“The new regulations will certainly involve additional responsibilities and costs for Nova Scotia mink farmers, but we fully support the need to ensure that we can continue growing without harming the environment,” said Mullen.
Fur farming is one of the fastest growing, rural-based industries in Nova Scotia, generating $140 million annually for the provincial economy and supporting more than 1,000 jobs. About one-half of the farmed mink produced in Canada are now raised in Nova Scotia.
