Farmers, researchers, and community members across Atlantic Canada are being called to action ahead of a key public meeting in Amherst, Nova Scotia, where the future of regional agricultural research will take centre stage.
Scheduled for Saturday, May 30, the event brings together Conservative agriculture critic John Barlow and MLA Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin, offering a rare and timely opportunity for stakeholders to voice concerns directly to decision-makers. It is also supported by Atlantic Canada Organic Regional Network (ACORN). The meeting follows recent recommendations from the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture, which included a call to pause and reverse the closure of agricultural research centres and experimental farm sites across the country.
For many in the region, the Nappan Research Farm represents far more than a single facility. It is a cornerstone of Atlantic Canadian agriculture, supporting both conventional and alternative production systems through locally focused, practical research. Its work has played a vital role in addressing some of the region’s most pressing agricultural challenges.
Research conducted at Nappan has advanced grazing management strategies that improve soil health and contribute to carbon sequestration, both of which are essential to climate resilience on small and medium-sized farms. The site has also explored the use of legume-based forage systems to help control parasites in ruminant livestock, offering producers natural and cost-effective alternatives to chemical treatments.
These innovations are particularly valuable to organic and ecological farmers, who rely heavily on regionally adapted knowledge to inform their practices. Without access to research tailored to the specific climate, soils, and production systems of Atlantic Canada, many producers face increased uncertainty and risk.
The federal committee’s recommendation to reconsider closures has been welcomed by farm advocates, but community members say that continued pressure is necessary to ensure that these recommendations translate into concrete action. Saturday’s meeting is seen as a critical moment to demonstrate the level of public support for maintaining and strengthening agricultural research infrastructure in the region.
Organisers are encouraging broad participation, noting that turnout will send a strong message about the importance of facilities such as Nappan. Farmers are being asked to attend, share their experiences, and highlight the direct impact that research funding and infrastructure have on their operations and livelihoods.
Supporters also stress the importance of collective advocacy. By showing up in numbers and sharing information widely, the agricultural community can strengthen its influence at a time when policy decisions are being actively shaped.
Saturday’s meeting in Amherst is not only a forum for discussion, but a call to action. For those who depend on regionally rooted agricultural knowledge, it represents an opportunity to help secure the future of research that supports farms, food systems, and rural communities alike.