At the April 2018 Council of Leaders meeting, a motion was passed adopting a new committee membership policy. Developing an application process for committee membership was one of the asks highlighted by the Nominating Committee. In addition to this, it was requested that there be a one-time addition of one (1) member at large to all standing/special committees to provide opportunity to accommodate existing interest as well as introducing term limits for committee members. Lastly, any current Council of Leaders committee designations, crop, livestock or other farmer positions are now identified as “Member at Large” representation on the Terms of Reference.

Being a committee member gives you the opportunity to provide leadership as well as expertise on subject matter related to your responsibilities and experience!

We ask that members attend committee meetings and events whenever possible, and to keep in mind that three consecutive missed meetings without cause triggers automatic dismissal from all committees.
Each new committee membership is a 3-year term, for a maximum of two terms.

For full committee details, please read the corresponding Terms of Reference.

Agriculture Wildlife Issues Committee

As a member of this committee you will focus on the major agricultural issues which interact with wildlife. In a collaborative effort with the Federation of Agriculture, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture, Crop & Livestock Insurance Commission, Perennia, and Federation of Anglers and Hunters. Committee meetings are held on an “as needed” basis with the minimum of one meeting per year.

Terms of Reference

Agriculture and Energy Working Group

Members of this working group will focus on the opportunities and challenges with energy generation, consumption and conservation as it relates to agriculture in Nova Scotia. Made up of representatives from the Federation of Agriculture, Department of Agriculture, Dalhousie Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Energy, Nova Scotia Power, and Efficiency One. Working group meetings will be held on a quarterly basis for one year, with an annual review to determine the continuation of the working group.

Terms of Reference

Agricultural Transportation Committee

Focusing on the major agricultural transportation issues that will affect the industry, this committee is made up of members from the Federation of Agriculture, Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, Service Nova Scotia, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Department of Agriculture, Farm Safety Nova Scotia, and farm equipment dealers. Transportation committee meetings are held on an “as needed” basis with a minimum of once a year.

Terms of Reference

NSFA Farm Registration Committee

The Farm Registration Committee focuses on the Farm Registration System currently being administered by Service Nova Scotia and the Department of Agriculture, including but not limited to the five-year review of the Farm Registration Fee Structure. This committee is made up of the NSFA President, 1st Vice President, NSFA members at large, NSFA Executive Director and the NSFA Associate Director. Meetings are held on an “as needed” basis.

Terms of Reference 

NSFA Wetlands Committee

As a member of this committee you will focus on the major agricultural wetlands issues in Nova Scotia. This committee consists of NSFA members at large, the Executive and Associate Directors of NSFA, as well as a member of the NSFA executive. Meetings are held on an as needed basis, and the committee will remain active until addendum to the Nova Scotia Wetlands Policy is reviewed and adopted.

Terms of Reference 

Labour & Skills Training Committee

Members of this committee will focus on major agriculture human resources issues that will affect the industry. Comprised of NSFA members at large, NSFA CAHRC, an NSFA executive member, NSFA staff, Department of Agriculture and Dalhousie Faculty of Agriculture. Meetings are held on an “as needed” basis with the minimum of two annually.

Terms of Reference

NSFA Agricultural Water Committee

Focusing on providing guidance for water related issues – which are of strategic value to the Nova Scotia farm community in the areas of stewardship and management. This committee consists of a member from NSFA executive, NSFA members at large, Department of Agriculture, Department of Environment, Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, NSFA staff, Environmental Farm Plan staff, and AAFC Science Branch. Meetings will be held on an “as needed” basis.

Terms of Reference

Direct to Market / Small Scale Working Group

This working group creates a forum to discuss the opportunities and challenges with direct to market and small-scale farm business. Made up of NSFA members at large, NSFA executive, Perennia, Thinkfarm, Farmers Markets of Nova Scotia, NSFA President, and NSFA Executive Director. Meetings are held on a quarterly basis for one year, with an annual review to determine the continuation of the working group.

Terms of Reference

Agriculture Land Use Policy Committee

The goal of this committee is to develop a provincial land strategy for agricultural land use in Nova Scotia. Representation on the committee consists of representative from NSFA executive, NSFA members at large, NSFA Executive Director, Department of Agriculture, Department of Natural Resources, Annapolis Valley Land Trust Society, Department of Municipal Affairs, and the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities. Meetings will be held at least quarterly for one year, with an annual review to determine the continuation of the committee.

Terms of Reference