Staff at an Agriculture Agri-Food Canada research farm situated in Nappan, Nova Scotia, received notifications of reductions on Thursday. The federal government has provided limited information regarding the future of the facility.
According to the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture, there has been a notice of closure at the Cumberland County site, and efforts are underway to gain a better understanding of the situation. Carolyn Van Den Heuvel, the executive director of the federation, expressed concerns from members about the potential implications for the industry.
Established in 1887, the Nappan Research Farm is among Canada’s original five experimental farms. A spokesperson for Agriculture Agri-Food Canada confirmed that about 665 positions were cut nationwide on Thursday. However, specific details about the number of cuts at the Nappan farm or any closure plans were not disclosed.
Larry Weatherby, a beef farmer from the Truro area and chair of the Agri-Commodity Management Association, described the decision to close as disheartening. He highlighted the farm’s significant contributions to forage production tailored to the local climate, benefiting the cattle and sheep industries in the Maritimes. The closure, he noted, would have a lasting negative impact on the sector.
Independent MLA for Cumberland North, Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin, revealed that employees from the research farm contacted her after learning of the closure news. She emphasized the farm’s crucial role in the local area and the beef industry, expressing disappointment at the decision.
Questioning the timing of the closure, Smith-McCrossin pointed out recent positive developments in the industry, such as Canadian beef re-entering Chinese markets. She emphasized the importance of investing in local food supply and incorporating research and science to support it.
Jonathan McClelland, executive director of the Cumberland Business Connector, estimated that approximately 10 to 15 individuals are employed at the Nappan farm. He warned that the nationwide cuts would diminish Canada’s competitive edge in agriculture, food, and beverage manufacturing sectors, especially amid global uncertainties.
A spokesperson for Alana Hirtle, the Liberal MP for Cumberland-Colchester, mentioned that their office has reached out to Agriculture Agri-Food Canada to gather more information about the situation. The spokesperson underlined the public’s shared concerns and the need to understand the decision-making process behind the cuts.
Earlier in 2005, the Nappan facility had faced closure threats. The current developments have raised alarms among stakeholders and community members about the potential ramifications on the local agricultural sector.