Nova Scotia representatives, including a Liberal MP, are urging the Canadian government to reverse its decision to shut down seven federal agriculture research farms, one of which is a historical site in the Maritimes dating back over a century. Agriculture Agri-Food Canada announced in January the layoff of 1,043 employees, leading to the closure of a facility in Nappan, N.S., and six others nationwide.
The closure puts at risk the jobs of nine individuals at the Nappan Research Farm, established in 1887 as one of Canada’s original experimental farms. Union president Milton Dyck, representing 2,500 workers, emphasized the importance of maintaining research continuity and called for the government to reconsider the shutdown.
Kent MacDonald, MP for Cardigan, P.E.I., highlighted that a significant portion of costs at Nappan were attributed to maintenance, which was offset by revenue from beef sales. Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin, Independent MLA for Cumberland North, raised concerns about the financial viability of the decision, pointing out the substantial revenue generated from beef sales at the farm.
Liberal MP Alana Hirtle has requested Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald to provide further details on the closure and explore alternative options if reversing the decision is not feasible. Stakeholder engagement, particularly with the Maritime Beef Test Station in Nappan, is being advocated to ensure the assets are utilized effectively.
Reynold Bergen, a science director at the Beef Cattle Research Council, emphasized the interconnectedness of research facilities like Nappan with others across the country and expressed concerns about losing valuable research data and resources.
The decision to close the research farms has raised questions about the necessity of research in diverse climates and soil types, with experts emphasizing the importance of preserving ongoing research projects for the benefit of the agricultural industry. Post-secondary institutions have indicated limitations in taking over the research work due to existing fiscal challenges.
Agriculture Agri-Food Canada has confirmed that forage breeding research will continue at the Kentville research farm in Nova Scotia, emphasizing the commitment to maintaining collaborations with regional partners.
