Staff members at an Agriculture Agri-Food Canada research farm located in Nappan, Nova Scotia, were informed about impending cuts on Thursday. The federal government has not disclosed many specifics regarding the future of the facility. The Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture acknowledged receiving a closure notice for the Cumberland County site and is actively seeking more information on the matter.
Carolyn Van Den Heuvel, the executive director of the federation, expressed concerns raised by members about the potential implications for the agricultural sector. She emphasized the farm’s vital role in supporting beef and forage industries in Atlantic Canada through valuable research initiatives. Established in 1887, the Nappan Research Farm stands as one of Canada’s original experimental farms.
While approximately 665 positions were eliminated nationwide on Thursday according to an Agriculture Agri-Food Canada spokesperson, specific details about the cuts at the Nappan farm and any plans for closure remain undisclosed. Truro-area beef farmer Larry Weatherby, chair of the Agri-Commodity Management Association, lamented the decision to shut down the farm. He highlighted 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, revealed that employees at the research farm contacted her after learning about the closure news in a meeting on Thursday morning. She emphasized the farm’s historical importance and its critical role in supporting the local beef industry. Smith-McCrossin questioned the timing of the decision, especially following the recent announcement by Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald regarding Canadian beef’s return to the Chinese market.
Jonathan McClelland, 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 would diminish Canada’s competitive edge in the agriculture, food, and beverage manufacturing sectors. McClelland emphasized the need for increased investment in these areas, considering the current global uncertainties.
A statement from Alana Hirtle’s office, the Liberal MP for Cumberland-Colchester, confirmed their efforts to gather more details about the closure situation from Agriculture Agri-Food Canada. The Nappan facility faced a similar threat of closure back in 2005. The decision to shut down the farm has raised questions about its potential impact on the local industry and the importance of research and science in securing the country’s food supply.