Federation of Agriculture’s AGM this week in Truro

Nova Scotia’s farmers have descended on Truro to discuss key issues facing the agriculture industry.

This two-day Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture’s AGM, being held at the Best Western Glengarry on today and Friday, is expected to draw a crowd of more than 200 farmers and guests.

“Our annual meeting is an opportunity for farmers to share their ideas, challenges and concerns with their peers, the federation and the provincial government,” said Victor Oulton, Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture (NSFA) president. “We al- ways encourage our members to attend so they are able to provide their input on the matters being discussed and vote for the changes they would like to see.”

Key issues facing the agriculture industry include the labour gap, climate change, agricultural land, transportation and regulatory burden – all of which formulate the federation’s standing policies for 2019.

Andrew Campbell, known as the Fresh Air Farmer, will deliver his keynote presentation on standing up for the industry, motivating those in agriculture to champion the cause.

In collaboration with Farm Safety Nova Scotia, Dr. Andria Jones-bitton will discuss mental health in Canadian agriculture. Other presenters include minister of agriculture, Keith Colwell, PC Party Leader, Tim Houston, and agriculture critics, NDP MLA Lenore Zann and PC MLA Alana Paon, who will present Thursday afternoon.

The evening banquet following today’s wrap-up will feature Nova Scotia 4-H young speaker Samantha Mcinnis, who will deliver her prize- winning speech entitled “It’s the Future of Agriculture,” along with the announcement of the 2018 Environmental Farm Stewardship Award recipient.

Full details and agenda are available on the NSFA website, News and Events. www.nsfa-fane. ca