Nova Scotia farms were in the red last year — again

Nova Scotia’s agricultural industry has been facing financial challenges for nearly a decade, with last year alone resulting in a loss of over $41 million. This has raised concerns among industry leaders in the province, highlighting the need for strategies to improve profitability.

Amy Hill, a farmer at Snowy River Farm in Cooks Brook, N.S., understands the struggles firsthand. Despite managing a small operation with chickens, pigs, vegetable crops, and a cow, Hill has been unable to make a living wage solely from the farm. Her husband had to return to his carpentry career in 2023 to support the family financially.

Over the years, Hill and her husband made significant investments in the farm, hoping for a payoff in the future. However, the numbers never quite added up until they made the decision to scale back in 2024. This shift allowed them to turn a small profit of $6,000, albeit at the cost of producing less for the community.

The challenges faced by Nova Scotia farmers are not unique, but the prolonged period of unprofitability sets the province apart. Factors such as extreme weather and harsh growing seasons have contributed to the ongoing struggles, although they do not entirely explain the trend. Despite an increase in farm sales over the past five years, the rising cost of operations has outpaced this growth.

The Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture is actively working on a long-term strategy to help farmers achieve better financial stability. While the strategy is still in progress, farmers are encouraged to focus on their bottom lines and make decisions that prioritize financial sustainability.

In response to the economic strain on farmers, the government has allocated additional funds to support fruit and vegetable growers in purchasing season-extending equipment. However, Hill believes that investments in labor are equally crucial for the industry’s growth. With a projected shortage of 2,600 farm workers by the end of the decade, addressing this issue is essential for the future of agriculture in Nova Scotia.

Overall, the challenges faced by Nova Scotia farmers underscore the need for comprehensive strategies and support systems to ensure the long-term viability of the agricultural industry in the province. By addressing financial constraints and labor shortages, farmers like Amy Hill can continue to contribute to the local food supply while sustaining their livelihoods.