Uncertainty looms as federal cuts affect NS research farms
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Employees at an agricultural Agri-Food Canada research farm in Nappan, N.S., were informed of cutbacks on Thursday, and the federal government is offering few details on the future of the facility.
The Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture said it is aware of the notice to close the Cumberland County facility and is working to better understand the situation.
““We are hearing from members who are concerned about what this could mean for the region.” Caroline Van den Heuvel, executive director of the federation, said in a statement.
“This station plays an important role in supporting our beef and feedlot industries in Atlantic Canada through meaningful research.”
The Nappan Research Farm, which opened in 1887, is one of Canada’s five original experimental farms.
A spokesperson for Agriculture Agri-Food Canada said about 665 positions were cut across the country on Thursday. The statement did not answer questions about the number of cuts or the closure at Nappan Farms.
Cumberland North independent MLA Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin said she was contacted by staff at the research farm after receiving the “devastating news” of the closure at a meeting on Thursday morning.
“It’s been a cornerstone of our region and the beef industry,” he said in an interview.
“I’m assuming someone in Ottawa is just trying to make a budget, and they don’t realize the importance of science and research.”
Smith-McCrossin questions the timing of the decision.
This week, Agriculture Minister Heath Macdonald, who is also the MP for P.E.I., announced Canadian beef There will be a comeback in Chinese markets For the first time since 2021.
“It makes no sense. If anything, we should see an increase in investment for the sector, not a decrease,” Smith-McCrossin said.
“Furthermore, Canadians are telling us loud and clear that they want more local options. We must secure our local food supply and we need to make sure research and science are a part of that.”
Jonathan McClelland, executive director of the Cumberland Business Connector, estimates that Nappan Farms employs about 10-15 people. He said nationwide cuts would reduce Canada’s competitive advantage in the agriculture, food and beverage manufacturing sectors.
“When you look at our need for export diversification right now with the uncertainty and turmoil with the US, we are globally regarded as a good place to be for safe food,” McClelland said.
“I would see this as an area in which the federal government and provinces should redouble efforts to grow the industry.”
A spokesperson for Cumberland-Colchester Liberal MP Alana Hertel said her office has reached out to Agriculture Agri-Food Canada.
Nappan facility first faced threat of closure in 2005.
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