N.S. drops local food strategy, raising concerns over production, access to healthy options
The Nova Scotia government’s decision to quietly abandon its plan to develop a local food strategy has raised concerns among those working in or studying the food and agriculture sector. The Food and Beverage Strategy, which aimed to improve access to and increase production of healthy local food, was scrapped despite a round of public consultation in 2022.
Agriculture Minister Greg Morrow announced on June 12 that the province would not be moving forward with the initiative, much to the disappointment of experts like Dalhousie University assistant professor Phoebe Stephens. Stephens, who specializes in sustainable food systems, believes that improving access to healthy local food could greatly benefit marginalized communities in Nova Scotia, where food insecurity rates are among the highest in Canada.
While Morrow stated that the government is already acting on public feedback through initiatives like the school lunch program and the Nova Scotia Loyal local food rewards program, critics argue that these efforts are not sufficient. Stephens highlighted the lack of infrastructure for local food production in the province, emphasizing the importance of building a more self-sufficient food system to withstand supply chain disruptions and market fluctuations.
Despite the government’s claims of supporting local food hubs like the one in Cape Breton and providing funding to the Halifax Regional Food Hub, stakeholders like Eli Milton, executive director of the Halifax food hub, feel uncertain about the future of the farming industry in Nova Scotia. With farming profitability on the decline for nearly a decade and a decrease in the number of agriculture workers and farms, small-scale farmers are struggling to access markets and distribute their products locally.
The Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture is calling on the government to invest in an industry-led strategy to address the long-term challenges faced by farmers in the province. President Alicia King emphasized the need for increased support and investment to ensure the sustainability of Nova Scotia’s agricultural sector.
As the province grapples with the implications of shelving the Food and Beverage Strategy, stakeholders are urging the government to prioritize the development of a comprehensive plan to promote local food production and improve food security for all Nova Scotians. Despite the setback, there is hope that collaborative efforts between the government, academia, and industry stakeholders can pave the way for a more resilient and sustainable food system in the province.
