Farmers say loss of veterinary, lab programs deepens stress, corrupts trust, undermines the future of agriculture in province
On May 19, the National Farmers Union in New Brunswick (NFU-NB) issued a news release slamming the government’s plan to phase out key agricultural programs and services, as well as Motion 35.
The NFU-NB, which represents small-and medium-scale farms, says it is most affected by service losses and cost increases. Its members produce all commodities from across the province.
The union says that farmers and veterinarians have among the highest levels of career-related stress in the country, and that they deserve respect and fair treatment, as do laboratory workers and all staff in those jobs. “These hard workers deserve to thrive in their industries, not struggle to survive,” the release stated.
“Farmers and the public have been clear that the lack of consultation, conversation, and advice from the industry, veterinarians, and laboratory experts has increased stress and a sense of mistrust.”
The union says the impact is clear – that phasing out services is not the answer to the program’s sustainability and success.
Farm numbers and realized net farm income are declining, the union says.
“The loss of programs, research, and services will not improve the agricultural landscape.”
Despite the agri-food sector in New Brunswick accounting for the largest share of gross domestic product, the union says the sector has been underfunded and underappreciated for decades.
The NFU-NB says no government or party is wholly responsible for the situation they are in; the same cuts were announced in 2000 and rescinded by the government after a year.
They added that they appreciate all who have opposed this plan; this issue has highlighted the ongoing challenges farmers face every day and highlighted the work of the public and ordinary farmers who have petitioned, protested, and organized.
The union disagrees with the phase-out of these programs and services and with the timeline proposed by the Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Fisheries (DAAF). “While DAAF has committed to maintaining no service gaps, it continues to have concerns.”
The NFU-NB believes there are alternatives to ending veterinary services and options for sustainable, successful program delivery.
“Animal welfare and farmer livelihoods should not be up for debate. Their supply management system, which they say is the pillar of Canadian agriculture, is at risk. Laboratory services are essential for animal health emergency management and other risk mitigation.”
The NFU-NB also expressed its appreciation for the high priority food security has for the entire government, as mentioned several times by all parties throughout the provincial legislature’s debate on Motion 35 on May 14.
The union says it looks forward to working with the government and representatives on programs, strategies, and policies to reduce food insecurity in the province and increase the number of small and medium-scale farms.
Representatives of the NFU-NB will meet with the Minister and the Department of Agriculture on May 27 to discuss further concerns.
