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CTV News
a day ago
- Business
- CTV News
As N.S. farmers struggle, report urges steps to help increase stagnant local sales
A farmer works a field in Churchville, N.S., on Monday, May 9, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan HALIFAX — Nova Scotia farmers who are struggling to break even could benefit from selling more produce in local markets, says a new study released Thursday. The report titled, 'Growing at Home: Nova Scotia local food and agriculture report' was completed by the Ecology Action Centre, the province's largest environmental group, using academic research and data from Statistics Canada. It says the province's farming industry has been losing money between 2017 and 2024. Last year alone, the overall industry deficit was more than $41 million. The study concludes farmers in Nova Scotia are facing some of the biggest deficits in the country -- as their production expenses are often higher than the revenues their crops and livestock bring in. Lead author Vicki Madziak also documented a steep, 29 per cent decline between 2011 and 2021 in the total land used for farming. 'We know that farms across the country are struggling, but this has been a persistent issue for a long time in Nova Scotia,' said Madziak in a telephone interview Thursday. 'We're seeing a lot of concerning trends.' The report says if the province wants a food system that withstands shocks like climate change and economic tariffs, more investment is needed in encouraging local sales of farmers' produce. Using Statistics Canada data, the authors estimated that only 14 per cent of Nova Scotia's food spending went to local farms in 2023. That percentage hadn't increased from figures collected a decade ago. Citing research this year in the journal Food Policy, the study concludes that increasing local sales would allow farmers to increase their profit margins. It also says one bright spot is that Nova Scotia now has more than 40 farmers markets, the highest number per capita in Canada. Madziak concluded that while the province has started some buy-local initiatives, the provincial government must further develop local sales channels. Agriculture Minister Greg Morrow, when asked by reporters what factors were contributing to the industry's problems, said there were a variety of potential answers. 'These are private business, so there's a lot of different factors. It could be the weather, it could be access to markets, any number of things could play a role,' he said after Thursday's cabinet meeting. He said the province is providing $7 million for equipment and programs to help extend growing seasons, is encouraging buy-local programs and working to reduce interprovincial trade barriers. Interim Liberal Leader Derek Mombourquette was critical of Morrow's response. 'The minister needs to be able to come before the media and before the public and say, 'These are the steps that we're taking to help to support an important sector in our province.'' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 12, 2025.
Global News
2 days ago
- Business
- Global News
As N.S. farmers struggle, report urges steps to help increase stagnant local sales
See more sharing options Send this page to someone via email Share this item on Twitter Share this item via WhatsApp Share this item on Facebook A new report says that struggling Nova Scotia farmers could benefit from selling more produce in local markets. The report was released by the Ecology Action Centre. It cites Statistics Canada data indicating the province's farming industry has been losing money on average between 2017 and 2024. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The study says farmers in Nova Scotia are largely facing the biggest deficits in the country. Lead author Vicki Madziak also documented steep declines in acreage between 2011 and 2021 and a decrease in the amount of land being used for crops over the same period. The report cites research showing how farmers could increase profits by improving local sales since there would be fewer intermediaries taking a cut. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 12, 2025.
