Staff at an Agriculture Agri-Food Canada research farm located in Nappan, Nova Scotia, received notification of budget cuts on Thursday, with limited information provided by the federal government regarding the future of the facility.
The Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture acknowledged being informed about the potential closure of the Cumberland County facility and is actively seeking further clarity on the matter. Carolyn Van Den Heuvel, the executive director of the federation, expressed concerns raised by members about the implications for the agricultural sector in the region.
Established in 1887, the Nappan Research Farm is one of the original five experimental farms in Canada. While a spokesperson for Agriculture Agri-Food Canada confirmed the elimination of approximately 665 positions nationwide, specific details about the extent of the cuts at the Nappan farm or any closure plans were not disclosed in the statement.
Reacting to the decision, Truro-area beef farmer Larry Weatherby, who also serves as the chair of the Agri-Commodity Management Association, lamented the closure as disheartening. He emphasized the farm’s significant contributions to forage production tailored to the local climate, benefiting the cattle and sheep industries in the Maritimes.
Independent MLA for Cumberland North, Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin, highlighted the impact of the closure on the local community, describing the farm as a cornerstone of the area and the beef industry. She criticized the timing of the decision, particularly in light of recent developments such as the resumption of Canadian beef exports to China.
Jonathan McClelland, the executive director of the Cumberland Business Connector, estimated that around 10 to 15 individuals are employed at the Nappan farm. He expressed concerns that the nationwide cuts could diminish Canada’s competitive edge in the agriculture and food manufacturing sectors, emphasizing the need for increased investment in the industry.
In response to public concerns, a spokesperson for Alana Hirtle, the Liberal MP for Cumberland-Colchester, confirmed efforts to engage with Agriculture Agri-Food Canada to gather more information on the situation. The Nappan facility had previously faced a closure threat in 2005.
The decision to potentially close the Nappan Research Farm has sparked apprehension within the community, with stakeholders emphasizing the farm’s vital role in supporting local agriculture and the need for continued investment in research and development to secure the region’s food supply.