New state-of-the-art greenhouse opens at NSAC

TRURO (NS) – January 5, 2012 –Nova Scotia Agricultural College (NSAC) opened its doors today to showcase the completion of its new modular greenhouse as well as highlight the modernization of two existing greenhouses.

The project was realized through equal contributions of $799,500 from the Government of Canada’s Knowledge Infrastructure Program (KIP) under Canada’s Economic Action Plan and from the Province of Nova Scotia.

"Our government’s investment in post-secondary infrastructure has given Nova Scotia Agricultural College’s students and researchers the facilities they need to be global leaders in their fields,” said Scott Armstrong, Member of Parliament for Cumberland - Colchester - Musquodoboit Valley. “This project will allow Nova Scotia Agricultural College to strengthen its capacity and build on its reputation as a leading institution of higher learning.”

Thanks to federal and provincial funding, the state-of the-art growing facilities will provide hands-on experiences for students that are in line with advancements in the industry.

“These improvements will greatly enhance the energy efficiency of these greenhouses as well as enhance Nova Scotia Agricultural College's position as a world leader in agricultural research and education," said Agriculture Minister John MacDonell.

The project involved retrofitting and upgrading two existing greenhouses and constructing a new modular-style greenhouse. The retrofit and upgrades consist of new concrete floors, thermal curtains and an upgraded heating system. The new greenhouse is constructed with a glass roof, twinned polycarbonate walls, concrete floors, energy-efficient heating and ventilation, aluminum benching and thermal curtains. The retrofit and upgrades improve energy efficiency of the facilities by 30 per cent and the new greenhouse provides students and researchers with 33 per cent more space to conduct research under controlled environmental and bio-secure conditions.

“NSAC’s enhanced greenhouse education and research capabilities will generate knowledge for producers and entrepreneurs and ensure that our students are highly skilled, knowledgeable and experienced regarding modern industry practices and standards,” added NSAC Co-President Dr. Bernie MacDonald.

NSAC is a specialized university that cultivates learning and research, focusing on improving and sustaining our environment for the health and well-being of society.

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For more information please contact Stephanie Rogers
(902) 893-7247
e-mail at srogers@nsac.ca

Stephanie Thomas
Special Assistant (Communications)
Office of the Honourable Gary Goodyear
Minister of State (Science and Technology) (Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario)
613-960-7728