Are you looking to determine who you will be voting for in the upcoming municipal election?

Municipal elections are to take place on October 17.  With so many municipalities, NSFA isn’t able to highlight region specific issues; however, we have put together information that you can use to ask candidates and help inform your decision.  Many issues that we talk about are federal or provincial in nature, but these issues would benefit from having municipal influence.  The topics below are high level, but remember, the best way to explain an issue is to use your personal experience and tell a story.

Local procurement

Purchasing local is a great way to invest back into the local community.  When you buy local food, your dollar goes back into the local economy – local jobs, local services and local companies.  Implementing a policy with a commitment to purchase locally sourced food and requiring those who use municipal buildings to do the same is a step in the right direction.

Rural infrastructure

High speed internet and cellular service are wide spread issues throughout the municipality.  They impact the ability to efficiently run farms and be competitive with farms in other municipalities.

Agricultural land

The cost of agricultural land is significant.  This can be a barrier to new entrants wanting to farm.  Protecting agricultural land to ensure land is available to farm in the future is as important as ensuring the cost of the agricultural land is affordable for those wishing to farm the land.

For more information on the municipal election in your area, the candidates and more, be sure to check your municipality’s website.

Community Roots Pilot Program

The AgSector Program has been participating in the Community Roots Pilot Program that was recently launched in Valley area. The program is a joint venture between the Valley Community Learning Association, the Department of Community Services, and Department of Labour and Advanced Education. It is designed to remove barriers and provide wage support, matching local labour with local farms. Unemployed individuals are vetted, coached and ready to go to work. There is still time to participate! If your farm is between Windsor and Middleton and needs labour for harvest season, please reach out to hboyd@nsfa-fane.ca. Hiring local supports consumers buying local!

Agriculture On-Farm Student Bursary

Don’t forget about the Agriculture On- Farm Student Bursary Program, designed to help address the labour gap. The bursary provides up to $1,000 to students who work at least 500 hours. Details are found at novascotia.ca/programs/onfarm-student-bursary/. Program opens on September 1, 2020. Application deadline is November 30, 2020.

Support the Source

Our Support the Source video campaign launched on YouTube has gotten our job bank great exposure, with 37,500 views and reaching over 72,300 people! This video ad ran for the month of July, if you haven’t watched it yet you can find the video on NSFA’s Youtube Channel!

COVID-19 Financial Relief Measures Guide

We continue to receive weekly updates on the Federal and Provincial governments economic response to COVID-19 . Each week, MNP updates the Measures Guide to ensure the information provided is as current as possible. You can find the guide by visiting nsfa-fane.ca/covid-19

Resource Development

We are also working on website development and building resources and content to help farms navigate labour, human resources and more. The Workplace Education Committee plans to meet late August to develop a winter course plan. If your farm has needs or suggestions on training and resources, please reach out and let us know.

Coming up…

Keep an eye out for the Workforce Recruitment and Financial Considerations for Agricultural Producers webinar in the fall!

How can we support you?

As the AgSector Program develops tools and resources, please let us know how we can support the needs of your farm. Contact Heather at hboyd@nsfa-fane.ca or 902-893-2293 to discuss how we can help your farm’s labour needs.

Industry Issues Report Updates

Abbatoirs

The vulnerability of our meat processing chain, particularly red meat, has been made clear during COVID-19. As the food security conversation surfaced in response to COVID-19, the ability to process our own food here in Nova Scotia is a topic that comes to light on a regular basis. NSFA has had the opportunity to highlight the barriers, challenges and opportunities that farmers know all to well when trying to get their meat processed or open their own processing facility. While there isn’t a hard and fast solution to increase red meat capacity here in Nova Scotia, decision makers are beginning to understand the complexity of the issue.

Roadways

NSFA staff met with Nova Scotia Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal staff: once on licensing and vehicle registration, and again regarding road maintenance. A challenge we are hearing from farms with Temporary Foreign Workers is the uncertainty around international licences. When COVID-19 hit and Access NS offices closed, international licenses were extended until August 31, 2020. NSFA has been working with TIR for an interim solution since, in order to get an international license, the employees must apply for it in their home country. NSFA conducted a survey of members who have TFWs on their farm to understand the full picture of the issue. TIR has indicated that they are working on resolving the issue, but at the time of print, they have not come to a
resolution.

NSFA staff met with Executive Director of Maintenance at TIR to discuss roadway repairs and maintenance. NSFA asked for progress on the issues identified in a member survey in 2016 and what we could do going forward. The survey was to inform areas that the Rural Infrastructure Maintenance (RIM) funds could be best spent. The meeting also covered ditch maintenance plans upon completion of the mowing of the 100 series highways, a couple community specific issues and of course, Spring Weight Restrictions. NSFA has been lobbying for a better process or a complete agricultural exemption for transporting farm products while Spring Weight Restrictions are in place.

Recruiting for Risk Management Committee

NSFA is recruiting members at large for our recently formed Risk Management Committee.

Objective: To create a forum to study the risk management issues affecting Nova Scotia farms including the available risk management programs (e.g. AgriStability, Crop Insurance), along with general liability and worker liability. The objective is to ensure farmers have an understanding of risk management options and to advocate for improvements to risk management programs.

Term: Three years per term, maximum two terms.

Frequency: As needed with a minimum of two meetings annually.

Members with an interest in participating on a committee will now be able to submit a short application. Be sure to indicate that you are interested in sitting on the Risk Management Committee when you apply. The application is not intended to be onerous and will provide fair grounds for NSFA to fill vacancies on committees. All applications will be vetted by the NSFA Nominating Committee with recommendation to Council for approval. Members and eligible family members will be able to apply. Visit nsfa-fane.ca/committeeapplications to apply!

NSFA will consider industry diversity such as regions, commodities produced and size as well as social diversity such as age, gender, race, ethnicity and sexual orientation.

As NSFA continues to be the one voice for Nova Scotia Farmers, we will strive for an engaged membership as we work together to move the industry forward.

What’s coming up:

Municipal Elections

Municipal Elections are fast approaching! NSFA is in the midst of preparing questions and conversation starters for members and agriculture industry supporters to have with you, so you can have conversations with candidates in your district. These supports will be made available on our website and in the eNews starting in September.

Watch for Policies

NSFA’s draft standing policies were approved by NSFA’s Council and will be prepared for distribution in the October 2020 News and Views. The 2021 Standing Policies mark the first set of policies that were prepared under our new set of by-laws which formed the Policy Advisory Committee (PAC). Members will recognize some themes that are carrying forward including protecting agricultural land, improving soil health and addressing regulatory affairs. New this year is a standing policy that will focus on lobby efforts for the upcoming Federal Provincial Territorial (FPT) Agriculture Framework which is expected to start in April 2023.

Meeting with Caucuses

NSFA is working through a government relations strategy to help enhance our relationships with provincial political parties – caucuses, critics and staff, federal caucuses and Nova Scotia MPs. You may remember NSFA had a presence earlier this year at each the Progressive Conservative and NDP conventions. Later this summer NSFA will have the opportunity to meet virtually with both the PC and NDP Caucuses. Requests have been made to present to the Liberal Caucus.

“A lot has changed over the last 125 years but one thing has remained constant – our passion for the agriculture industry in Nova Scotia. Change is ever constant, whether it’s a change in our personal lives, on our operations, in the environment, the country or even the world. We are always changing, adapting, overcoming and celebrating. To work in agriculture, you must be open to change, be able to adapt and overcome, and to celebrate your victories – big or small.”

This was an excerpt from a News + Views article published in March, shortly before things changed drastically.

If there is one thing that COVID-19 has instilled or strengthened in all of us is the ability to adapt quickly in order to overcome obstacles. Throughout the last few months, we have watched you all adapt your practices and take on every challenge that has been thrown your way as we navigate this new normal.

NSFA has undergone some changes as well when it comes to office life and how we are conducting business. Like most organizations, the vast majority of our meetings have moved online which has allowed for a great deal of flexibility for both staff and committee members. With that being said, we have some important news regarding our Annual Meeting this year – we’re going virtual!

Due to COVID-19 public health restrictions in relation to large gatherings and taking into consideration the health and wellbeing of our members, Council and staff – we felt this was the best decision. As much as we would like to gather in person and reconnect with you all face-to-face, we feel as though our virtual plan is quite exciting!

2020 marks NSFA’s 125th year as an organization, so we will be celebrating this milestone by covering 12 topics in 5 days. In previous years our Annual Meeting has been a two-day event with a jam-packed agenda, with our meeting moving online this year we wanted to spread things out! This year our 125th celebration will run the week of November 30- December 4, with NSFA’s business meeting taking place on Thursday, December 3. Throughout the week we will be hosting webinars on a wide range of topics! This includes webinars focusing on; Public Trust, Soil Health, Transition Planning and Mental Health – there’s something for everyone!

There will also be three business meetings held throughout the week.

Nova Scotia Young Farmers’ AGM will take place on Wednesday, December 2.

Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture’s business meeting will take place on Thursday, December 3.

Farm Safety Nova Scotia’s Annual Meeting will take place on Friday, December 4.

We will continue to keep you updated as we working through the planning process of our first major online event!

Council

This year we also have four positions on NSFA Council that are up for election! As you know, the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture is governed by a 12 person Council. The Council provides overall direction and operational oversight to the Federation.

Elections Process

This year marks our first Annual Meeting operating under our new bylaws that were approved at last years AGM! Here is the breakdown of the new Nominations process as outlined in our
bylaws:

• The Nominating Committee is established by the Council and shall be responsible for ensuring qualified nominees are presented for vote at the Annual Meeting;
• Nominations shall be accepted through application in a format determined by the Nominating Committee;
• The application period shall open 45 calendar days prior to the 1st day of the Annual Meeting;
• Applications must be received 15 calendar days prior to the 1st day of the Annual Meeting;
• The application must be signed by the nominee and five (5) additional members of the NSFA;
• The list of qualified nominees will be communicated 10 calendar days prior to the 1st day of the Annual Meeting;
• If there is an insufficient number of applications to fill the vacancies then nominations will be taken from the floor at the Annual Meeting.

If you have any questions about joining Council, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

To say that the last few years have been full of change would be an understatement. This is something that the agriculture industry knows all too well. This is something that industry organizations can attest to– including Agri-Futures Nova Scotia (AFNS). This past year alone has brought significant changes to AFNS with the Executive Director taking on a new role with the NSFA to support Nova Scotia farmers connecting with consumers in our province. This left the organization at a cross roads, wondering what direction they should turn and what action should be taken.

Agri-Futures has done a lot of work since its formation in 1997. It’s most known for delivering programs on behalf of Agriculture and Agri-Food for 17 years. More than $16 million was delivered through five different funding programs from 1997 to 2014. More than 200 Nova Scotia led projects were completed and hundreds more collective outcome projects with other provinces were funded. Supporting industry led research and innovation was always at the heart of the association. When funding delivery ended AFNS believed that the industry needed support to connect the food system and increase collaboration. Launching recent initiatives that focus on Collective Impact, such as Grow Nova Scotia and overseeing the Salad Bar Pilot Project – working to increase local food procurement in NS schools.

The AFNS board held a special meeting last week to discuss next steps for the organization. Ultimately, with decreased capacity and resources, a special resolution was put forward to dissolve the organization. This decision was made after months of careful consideration. We would like to acknowledge and commend the work that Agri-Futures has done over the past number of years as they worked to increase the amount of local food in our schools across the province.

Next Steps

The remaining AFNS funds will be distributed to the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture (NSFA). Following this, the NSFA will establish the “Grow Nova Scotia Food Committee” which will approve the disbursement of the Grow Nova Scotia food system funds held in internally restricted funds for projects that align with the establishment of a whole food system approach to increase access to local and healthy foods in schools.

“Agri-Futures has been a driving force behind local food initiatives in our schools. The passion and dedication of current and previous board members and staff is noteworthy, they have shared the same drive to increase Nova Scotians local food consumption. I would like to thank everyone for the support they have provided our organization over the years and I look forward to the work of the Grow Nova Scotia Food Committee.” – Richard Melvin, AFNS Board Chair.

“At the NSFA our vision is a prosperous and sustainable future for Nova Scotia farms and farmers. One of the many ways we can work towards this vision is to continue AFNS’s local food initiatives. Over the past number of months we have seen a significant shift in the buy local/support local movement, with Nova Scotians developing a great appreciation for Nova Scotian grown products. We are happy to accept the funds from AFNS and we are committed to continuing to build on the strong foundation Agri-Futures has built.” – Victor Oulton, NSFA President

As part of NSFA’s Regulatory Standing Policy, NSFA is committed to informing farmers on regulations and other legislative impacts on their farm. At a recent Wildlife Committee meeting, committee members felt farmers would benefit from knowing more about their options regarding wildlife damage. This article is to provide general information on mitigating against wildlife damage, hunting options and the Wildlife Compensation Program.

Wildlife Mitigation

Certain species of wildlife can be a costly nuisance for farmers. Mitigating against wildlife damage is an investment that can help reduce costs associated with wildlife damage to crops, and in some cases infrastructure on your farm. Below is information on how farms can mitigate against damages suffered from wildlife species which regularly cause damage. The following information has been adapted from information provided by the Department of Lands and Forestry on nuisance wildlife.

White Tailed Deer

The Department of Lands and Forestry website explains tactics to help mitigate against deer damage. Examples that are most practical to farms include scare devices and fencing. When it comes to deer, remember “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” It’s recommended to take preventative measures before deer get a taste and take a liking to a crop.

Scare devices
Variety is important when/if using scare devices for keeping deer out of crops. Deer can become used to regular, frequent or repetitive sounds – so mix it up. Other considerations for scare devices are the size of the field. For smaller field you may want to consider all-night radio stations or gas exploders. Remember to notify your local Lands and Forestry office and your neighbours out of courtesy and keep safety in mind.

Fencing
Keeping deer out of a field in the first place is important – trying to manage returning deer is more challenging than keeping new deer out. Even a single strand of electric fence will keep deer out, but more is better. A great example is the Gallagher deer fencing system – the three-strand system was tested and proved to keep out deer. There is a requirement for maintenance such as keeping an eye on the ground quality, keeping the fence clear of weeds and fixing downed wires are essential to the effectiveness of the fencing system. Depending on your farm, a fence 8 feet high might be practical. Pricing varies by acreage, so you’ll need to do a bit of homework to determine which is best for your crop depending the amount of risk you are willing to assume.

Black Bear

Black bears are attracted to fruit and sweet flavours which probably doesn’t come as a surprise to wild blueberry farmers and bee keepers. Advice to protect homeowners from unwanted visits from bears isn’t always practical for farms. However, the remedy still applies – keep them out. The information below will hopefully help as you mitigate against black bear damage.

Fencing
Fencing bears out of a location is possible. Electric fencing is the most effective. However, amperage must be considered. The most determined bear will get through an electric fence if the amperage isn’t high enough. Although not 100%, fencing remains the best option. Some – not all – bears will just roll through the fence to get beehive larvae. Similar to deer, it’s best to fence out the bear before they get a taste of the goodies!

Lure crops
Lure crops are hit or miss. Lure crops are intended to attract a bear away from the crop the farmer is planning to harvest. Scientific studies haven’t strongly demonstrated the benefits of lure crops, but some farmers swear by them.

Racoons

Like other nuisance species, keeping racoons out in the first place is easier than trying to remove them once they’ve arrived. Some preventative techniques include covering opening such as doors and windows with a wire mesh. Electric fences are effective and even more so when there is a ground wire 5cm above the ground and a live wire 15cm above that. Since racoons are nocturnals, the livewire can be turned off during the day. If you need to remove racoons, a sturdy live trap is necessary. An appropriate trap can be purchased at some hardware stores or you can build a barrel trap using a 200L barrel. Be careful when removing racoons – they carry many diseases and parasites which can be harmful to humans. And remember – it is illegal to drown racoons. The Trappers Association of Nova Scotia may be able to provide information and can be reached at info@trappersassociationofnovascotia.ca.

Detailed information on wildlife mitigation for the above species and others can be found in the nuisance wildlife section of Department of Lands and Forestry website or by contacting your local Lands and Forestry office.

Wildlife Removal

Depending on the specific circumstance, there are options available to support the removal of wildlife negatively impacting farm operations.

Usual Hunting Season

Nova Scotia, through regulation, has a hunting season for a vast majority of wildlife including many species that are nuisance to farms. Farmers not interested in hunting themselves may wish to work with a member of the Nova Scotia Federation of Anglers and Hunters, a licensed hunter or trapper to address removal of wildlife species during regular hunting or trapping season.

Human Wildlife Conflict Stamps

For issues outside of the “normal” hunting seasons, the Department of Lands and Forestry has a process where Human Wildlife Conflict Stamps may be available to remove white-tailed deer and/or black bears. These stamps are available from the first of September until the end of April. The gap between April and September exists to reduce the risk of orphaning non-weaned cubs and fawns. These licenses can be issued in high-pressure zones across the province and are for specified locations and species. The Human Wildlife Conflict Stamps are made available in addition to any above the seasonal allocation and wildlife stamps.

Under the Human Wildlife Conflict Stamps, tags can either be purchased for $7 and the hunter can keep the meat or the tag is issued for free and the meat is donated to Feed Nova Scotia. In the case the meat is donated, it is the responsibility of the farmer to field dress the carcass.

To be approved for Human Wildlife Conflict Stamps, a significant issue must be demonstrated, and mitigation tactics must be attempted. A Wildlife Biologist will visit the location to assess the issue and determine the quantity of stamps to be issued. Any supporting evidence such as pictures from trailcams and assessment of damages can be used to help support your application for these unique stamps.

For more information contact your local Lands and Forestry office. https://novascotia.ca/natr/staffdir/offices.asp

How do I contact hunters in my area?

Farmers interested in working with a hunter either following approval for Human Wildlife Conflict Stamps or during the usual hunting season can connect with Nova Scotia Federation of Anglers and Hunters by contacting Mike Pollard at mikepollard@ns.sympatico.ca or at 902-830-4310.

The Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture (NSFA) seeks proposals from consultants interested in redesigning the websites for: Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture, Nova Scotia Environmental Farm Plan, Farm Safety Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia Young Farmers; and the development of a website for the AgSector Program.

Proposals are to be submitted by July 17. The estimated project timeline is July – October.

Click here to view the RFP.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 29, 2020

YOUR FARMERS, YOUR NOVA SCOTIA – NEW CAMPAIGN CONNECTS NOVA SCOTIANS WITH FARMERS IN THEIR COMMUNITIES

Truro, NS – Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture (NSFA) has launched Your Farmers, Your Nova Scotia, a new initiative that works to build a stronger connection between farmers and the people living in their communities.

“Your Farmers, Your Nova Scotia, was created in an effort to connect Nova Scotians not only with the food on their plates, but how it got there and who produced it. We have seen the rise in the “buy local” movement and we hope that the momentum continues in the years ahead,” said Victor Oulton, President of NSFA. “This campaign will help connect your families to our farm families, one bite at a time.”

The campaign coincides with a refresh of NSFA’s Meet Your Farmer website, and will profile stories of farm families located from one end of the province to the other, share favourite Nova Scotia inspired recipes, and provide details on how to purchase products in order to support the local economy and contribute to efforts of sustaining our food supply.

“On our farm we believe in the importance of sharing where your food comes from, how it was produced and the people who helped grow it,” said Josh Oulton, of Taproot Farms. “We are very active on social media, we host various events on our farm and are big supporters of Open Farm Day. This is another way we can connect Nova Scotians with local food, local farmers and a #ScotianDiet.”

Nova Scotia farms are incredibly diverse in their offerings, producing over 100 different products with 24 per cent of farms selling direct to consumers. Some of the more popular products offered in the province are maple, strawberries and apples.

In addition to the campaign’s interactive components on the Meet Your Farmer website, a call for NS inspired recipes and other interactive activities will be shared on social media through the Meet Your Farmer Facebook and Instagram accounts.

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For Information:

Katherine Doyle

Communications Coordinator

Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture

Phone: (902) 893-2293

kdoyle@nsfa-fane.ca

Hello everyone,

I hope this message finds you well. Things at the NSFA have not slowed down, as we continue to advocate on your behalf during these tough times. Our calls with Minister Colwell and Member of Parliament, Kody Blois continue on a weekly basis, where we continue to push for financial supports and other policy changes. We understand that it is frustrating to not see advancement on these supports, but please know that we are working hard to see these supports and programs put in place.

We are happy to see that Temporary Foreign Workers continue to arrive here in Nova Scotia, with more workers scheduled to land this week. Our first group of workers have officially “graduated” from isolation and are now ready to get to work.

I want to wish you all a great 2020 season, take care of yourselves. We will continue to provide you updates as they come available. I look forward to the day we can all meet face to face again.

Until next time,

Victor