ThinkFarm was officially launched at the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition in Bible Hill Wednesday (Aug. 25). The project is a resource-based program for new farmers in Nova Scotia to help get their business started. New farmers include immigrants, a first-time farmer, someone who is retired and getting into the industry or a farmer who is switching their commodity.
"This is definitely good," said Truro's Andrew Moore, 24. "It's the first time I've heard about incentives for new farmers and it's exciting. My biggest thing is funding."
Moore is currently working in the information technology field but is considering moving into the farming industry. His grandfather was a farmer and Moore has a couple of horses now. Moore is not sure what type of farming he would get into if he decides to delve into the industry, however, ThinkFarm is giving him lots to consider.
The program includes a co-ordinator who works on resources for new farmers, a guidebook, resource fact sheets and a website www.gov.ns.ca/thinkfarm providing one-top location for all information. Details that can be researched through ThinkFarm include finding a farm, infrastructure considerations, farm vehicles, zoning regulations, farm energy, financing, business plans, farm risk management, assessing market potential and pricing products.
Agriculture Minister John MacDonell made the initiative announcement yesterday (Aug. 25). He said the goal is industry sustainability.
"We need to be more innovative ... the industry will shrink or there will be fewer people who will have to do more," if new farmers don't get involved, said MacDonell.
He said "a few years ago" there were 750 Nova Scotia farms, whereas now there are only 250 "producing the same amount of milk," he said as an example.
MacDonell believes the four-year initiative, which costs the federal-provincial governments $100,000 per year, will see results.
"It helps new farmers who haven't dealt with contracts or the department at depth and gives them credible, up-to-date information that will make a difference," the politician said, adding, "it gives the department feedback too."
Truro Daily News
