Growing Nova Scotia Together

Farming is one of the oldest and most essential professions in Nova Scotia, forming the backbone of rural economies with farms in every county. In 2022, agriculture directly contributed over $804 million to Nova Scotia’s GDP, and with the provincial government committed to a growth agenda, the sector has significant potential to drive further economic expansion. However, increasing trade turbulence in the United States—Nova Scotia’s largest export market—poses challenges to achieving the level of growth the industry needs.

The Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture (NSFA), representing over 2,000 farms across the province, has identified several key areas where government action can strengthen the industry and support long-term economic growth. Supporting young farmers and facilitating ownership transitions are critical priorities to ensure the sustainability and expansion of the sector. This includes improving access to land, financing, and mentorship opportunities for new entrants. Focusing on reducing barriers for the next generation of farmers would also ensure that our productive agriculture soils remain in agricultural use.

Additionally, boosting local sales is more essential than ever as external markets are creating a lot of uncertainty around trade barriers. Expanding opportunities for locally produced food, such as increasing the amount of local food in the school lunch program, offers a way to enhance demand for Nova Scotia products while stabilizing sales in domestic markets. Nova Scotia needs to invest in the supply chain and processing capacity that helps food get from the farm to a student’s lunch plate. Climate change and Business Risk Management (BRM) programs remain essential pieces of the long-term strategy and should not be overlooked even amid current trade turbulence. Improving risk management tools and climate adaptation measures will safeguard farms and ensure that the sector can withstand future challenges while supporting sustainable growth.

To bring this all together and drive meaningful investment and transformative change in our agriculture and agri-food system, a well-defined strategic roadmap is essential. By addressing these priorities, the provincial government can build a stronger, more resilient agricultural industry—one that sustains rural communities, supports families, and contributes meaningfully to Nova Scotia’s economic future.

Farming, along with other resource industries like fishing and forestry, is the backbone of our rural communities. Nova Scotia’s agriculture industry also supports environmental sustainability through the preservation of critical habitats, improving soil health and water quality, and supporting climate change efforts. There are many benefits to growing our province’s food system, such as food security enhancement, reducing our carbon footprint, promoting environmental stewardship, and bolstering economic growth.

And perhaps most impactful at this time, farmers are proud to provide healthy food to support healthy people – a strong agriculture industry is a foundational component to fixing the healthcare crisis long-term.

The province of Nova Scotia has set an ambitious objective of doubling its population. As such, a prosperous agriculture industry is critical to ensuring we can meet the demands of an increasing number of consumers with locally grown products while providing opportunities and the environment for newcomers to join the industry as employees and farm operators.

Although the opportunities in the agriculture industry are apparent, it has been grappling with substantial obstacles for the past few decades. These challenges have not only affected the sector’s economic stability but have also taken a toll on farmers’ mental health, with declining farm profits and increasing barriers, regulatory demands, and roadblocks.

Nova Scotia’s farmers want nothing more than to continue providing safe, affordable, and accessible food for Nova Scotians, but it cannot come at the expense of their physical and mental health, or at the expense of providing for their own families.

In a recent National Survey on Farmer Mental Health, stress, anxiety, depression, emotional exhaustion, and cynicism (two components of burnout), suicide ideation and lowered resilience were all higher among farmers than the national average. However, farmers are known to be eternal optimists and continue to invest in their farms and our future.

We are at a crucial juncture where our choice is clear – we must work together to alter the course, protecting not only one of Nova Scotia’s oldest and most valued occupations – but to protect our farmers working tirelessly today, and the next generation of farmers tomorrow.

The only way to grow our industry and our province is to work toward a common goal of growing Nova Scotia together.

The Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture (NSFA) and its industry partners have come together to identify key areas that require immediate attention to propel the industry forward. Investing in agriculture is a strategic move that pays off in the long term, even though the immediate benefits may not always be visible. By investing in agriculture, we are investing in the health and sustainability of our province, while securing a prosperous future for generations to come. We truly believe that the agriculture industry can support the government in achieving its long-term goals for the province in health care, environmental targets, and population growth.

To read our full Growing Nova Scotia Together report which highlights the opportunities, challenges, and solutions for a prosperous and sustainable future for Nova Scotia farms and farmers, you can access the files below!