The industry associations from across the Maritimes, representing more than 4,000 farms, are concerned by the announcement to close the Nappan Research Farm and the implications this decision has for agricultural research in Atlantic Canada.

We recognize the fiscal pressures facing the federal government and the need to assess investments. However, regionally relevant agricultural research is critical to the long-term performance of the sector. Research that reflects Atlantic Canadian conditions supports productivity, risk management, climate adaptation, and the adoption of effective on-farm practices. This research must continue, regardless of location, to ensure farmers and industry have access to applied, region-specific knowledge.

The Nappan Research Farm has played a key role in delivering this research, particularly for forage and livestock systems. Separately, the Nappan site represents decades of public investment in productive agricultural land and infrastructure.

Agricultural research is long-term in nature. Many projects currently underway at Nappan remain active and incomplete, including projects with industry funding, some specifically funded using producer levy dollars. Disrupting this work reduces the return on existing public and private investment and undermines collaborative research models.

The Nappan Research Farm is co-located with and operationally connected to the Maritime Beef Test Station through feed production and shared equipment. Changes to the availability of Nappan infrastructure would have direct operational impacts on the Test Station and its ability to deliver value to the beef sector.

Decisions regarding Nappan should be guided by clearly defined outcomes and informed by strong industry partnership and leadership. Any path forward must preserve the land, facilities, and production capacity of the site, while ensuring continued value to producers, the food system, and the broader economy.

We are calling for a clear plan to preserve the Nappan site and to ensure the continuation of regionally relevant agricultural research. The undersigned industry associations are prepared to engage with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to determine viable paths forward that protect ongoing research, preserve critical capacity, and maintain value for producers and the broader economy.