Staff at a research farm operated by Agriculture Agri-Food Canada in Nappan, Nova Scotia, were informed of workforce reductions on Thursday, with little information provided by the federal government regarding the future of the facility. The Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture acknowledged the closure notice at the Cumberland County location and is actively seeking further clarification. Carolyn Van Den Heuvel, the federation’s executive director, expressed concerns raised by members over the potential implications for the agricultural sector, emphasizing 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 is one of the original five experimental farms in Canada. While Agriculture Agri-Food Canada disclosed a total of 665 job cuts nationwide on Thursday, specifics regarding the number of layoffs at the Nappan farm and any closure plans remain undisclosed. Larry Weatherby, a beef farmer from the Truro area and chair of the Agri-Commodity Management Association, lamented the decision to shut down the farm, noting its significant contributions to forage production research tailored to the region’s climate, benefiting the cattle and sheep industries in the Maritimes.
Independent MLA Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin, representing Cumberland North, revealed that employees at the research farm reached out to her following the distressing news of the potential closure. She highlighted the farm’s pivotal role in the local community and the beef industry, criticizing the decision’s timing in light of recent positive developments such as Canadian beef re-entering Chinese markets. Smith-McCrossin emphasized the importance of investing in local food security and safeguarding research and scientific endeavors.
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 workforce reductions could diminish Canada’s competitive edge in the agriculture and food manufacturing sectors, crucial for export diversification efforts amid global uncertainties. Calls for increased government support to bolster the industry were echoed by McClelland, underscoring the need to prioritize research and innovation.
In response to public apprehension, a spokesperson for Alana Hirtle, the Liberal MP for Cumberland-Colchester, confirmed outreach to Agriculture Agri-Food Canada for further clarification on the situation. The Nappan facility had previously faced closure threats in 2005. The potential shutdown of the farm has sparked widespread apprehension among stakeholders, with many emphasizing the farm’s historical significance and its critical role in advancing agricultural practices and industry sustainability.
