Staff at an Agriculture Agri-Food Canada research farm in Nappan, Nova Scotia, received notifications of workforce reductions on Thursday, with limited information provided by the federal government regarding the facility’s future. The Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture acknowledged being informed about a potential shutdown at the Cumberland County site and is actively seeking clarification on the matter. Carolyn Van Den Heuvel, the federation’s executive director, expressed concern about the potential impact on the agricultural sector, particularly in Atlantic Canada, emphasizing the farm’s significant role in supporting beef and forage industries through valuable research.
Established in 1887, the Nappan Research Farm is among Canada’s original five experimental farms. While Agriculture Agri-Food Canada confirmed a total of 665 job cuts nationwide on Thursday, specifics regarding the number of layoffs at the Nappan farm remain undisclosed, and inquiries about a possible closure went unanswered. Truro-area beef farmer Larry Weatherby, chair of the Agri-Commodity Management Association, lamented the decision to shut down the farm, highlighting its critical contributions to forage production tailored to the local climate, benefiting the cattle and sheep sectors across the Maritimes.
Independent MLA for Cumberland North, Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin, revealed that employees from the research farm contacted her following the distressing news of the closure announcement during a meeting on Thursday morning. She underscored the farm’s integral role in the region and the beef industry, questioning the rationale behind the timing of the decision. Smith-McCrossin argued that given the recent positive developments, such as Canadian beef re-entering the Chinese market, there should be increased investment in the sector instead of downsizing. She emphasized the importance of prioritizing local food supply security and incorporating research and science into these efforts.
Jonathan McClelland, executive director of the Cumberland Business Connector, estimated that around 10 to 15 individuals are employed at the Nappan farm, warning that the nationwide job cuts could diminish Canada’s competitive edge in the agriculture and food manufacturing domains. McClelland emphasized the need for increased investment in the sector to bolster industry growth, especially amid global uncertainties. A spokesperson for Alana Hirtle, the Liberal MP for Cumberland-Colchester, mentioned that their office is actively engaging with Agriculture Agri-Food Canada to gather more information and address public concerns regarding the situation.
Noteworthy is the previous threat of closure faced by the Nappan facility in 2005, underscoring the historical challenges encountered by the research farm. The ongoing developments have sparked debates surrounding the significance of agricultural research and its implications for the industry’s future trajectory.