Two politicians from Nova Scotia, including a member of the Liberal Party, are urging the Canadian government to reverse its decision to shut down seven federal agriculture research farms, one of which is a historic site in the Maritimes. In January, Agriculture Agri-Food Canada announced the issuance of layoff notices to 1,043 employees as part of a plan to eliminate approximately 665 positions. This move would lead to the closure of a facility in Nappan, Nova Scotia, and six others nationwide.
Milton Dyck, the president of the union representing 2,500 workers at Agriculture Agri-Food Canada, expressed concerns about the potential impact on the Nappan Research Farm, established in 1887 as one of Canada’s original experimental farms. Dyck emphasized the need for the government to reconsider the decision and ensure the continuation of research efforts at the site.
Kent MacDonald, the Member of Parliament for Cardigan, P.E.I., revealed that the department informed him that a significant portion of expenses at the Nappan farm were related to maintenance. However, revenue from beef sales reportedly exceeded these costs. Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin, an Independent Member of the Legislative Assembly for Cumberland North, questioned the government’s financial assessment, citing over $400,000 generated from beef sales at the farm in a single year.
Alana Hirtle, the Liberal Member of Parliament for Cumberland-Colchester, called on Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald to provide additional details on the closure and explore alternative solutions for the Nappan Research Farm. Hirtle stressed the importance of engaging with stakeholders and maximizing the farm’s assets for the benefit of the agricultural community.
Reynold Bergen, a science director at the Beef Cattle Research Council, highlighted the interconnected nature of research activities at the Nappan site with other facilities nationwide. He expressed concerns about losing valuable research data and emphasized the need to preserve ongoing projects.
Heather Bruce, the dean of Dalhousie University Agricultural Campus, dismissed the possibility of post-secondary institutions taking over the research work due to existing fiscal constraints. Agriculture Agri-Food Canada confirmed that forage breeding research would continue at the Kentville research farm in Nova Scotia, emphasizing collaboration with regional partners.
The decision to close the Nappan Research Farm has raised questions and prompted calls for reconsideration from various stakeholders, underscoring the significance of preserving agricultural research efforts and maintaining valuable resources for future innovation and development.
