Employees at a research farm operated by Agriculture Agri-Food Canada in Nappan, Nova Scotia, were informed of workforce reductions, with limited information available on the future of the facility from the federal government.
The Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture acknowledged being informed about a potential shutdown at the experimental farm in Cumberland County and is actively seeking more clarity on the matter.
Expressing concerns, Carolyn Van Den Heuvel, the executive director of the federation, highlighted the farm’s crucial role in supporting the beef and forage industries in Atlantic Canada through valuable research.
The Nappan Research Farm, established in 1887, is among the original five experimental farms in Canada.
A representative from Agriculture Agri-Food Canada stated that a total of 665 positions were eliminated nationwide, without specifying the exact number of job cuts at the Nappan farm or addressing closure inquiries.
Larry Weatherby, a beef farmer from the Truro area and chair of the Agri-Commodity Management Association, expressed disappointment at the closure decision, emphasizing the farm’s contributions to forage production research benefiting the cattle and sheep sectors in the Maritimes.
Independent MLA for Cumberland North, Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin, revealed that employees from the research farm contacted her following the announcement of a potential closure, describing it as devastating news for the local community and the beef industry.
Questioning the timing of the decision, Smith-McCrossin pointed out recent positive developments in the Canadian beef industry, such as re-entry into the Chinese market, suggesting a disconnect in government actions.
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 layoffs could harm Canada’s competitiveness in the agriculture and food sectors.
Moreover, a spokesperson for Liberal MP Alana Hirtle, representing Cumberland-Colchester, mentioned efforts to gather more information on the decision and its implications.
Notably, the Nappan facility had previously faced closure threats in 2005.
Overall, the potential closure of the Nappan Research Farm has raised concerns among stakeholders, highlighting the importance of research and science in supporting local industries and ensuring food security.