About Us
About Us
What we do
The Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture is a general farm organization representing farm businesses from across the province. The NSFA is a farmer-led organization that works to represent the diverse interest of Nova Scotia’s agriculture industry.
Since 1895, the NSFA has worked to develop strong relationships with industry leaders, elected officials, policy makers, government representatives, and other key stakeholders to advance the interests of Nova Scotia’s agriculture industry. Not only do we bring forward the opportunities and challenges of the sector to key decision-makers – we also work to provide our members with the tools and resources they need to operate their businesses.
Mission: To influence and effect change for the continual success of agriculture in Nova Scotia.
Vision: A prosperous and sustainable future for Nova Scotia farms and farmers.
Our Goals
Elevate the profile of agriculture throughout Nova Scotia.
The agriculture industry is viewed as a respected profession that is recognized for its economic, environmental and social contributions to Nova Scotia and its vital role in ensuring the food security of our communities.
Lead a collective voice through collaboration and engagement.
The NSFA is the primary collective voice of Nova Scotia farmers and is seen as the convener of key industry stakeholders. The NSFA is a transparent and timely communicator to its members, partners, and stakeholders.
Influence government policy, legislation, and programs to strengthen the industry.
The NSFA is recognized as providing credibility, transparency, and leadership to connect the needs of the industry to government to ensure an agriculture lens is applied to all policies, legislation, and programs.
Provide tools and resources to support farms in managing stressors and implementing best practices.
The NSFA is viewed by farmers and stakeholders as a trusted source of information and expertise to support the farm community with the skills and resources required to meet current and future challenges and opportunities.
Cultivate a lean, accountable, and transparent organization rooted in teamwork.
The NSFA is a trusted and respected organization where people feel valued and supported.
Our Values
Collaboration – we bring people together to better the agriculture industry.
Integrity – we are rooted in transparency, honesty, and our members’ best interests.
Equity and Inclusion – we create a place for everyone at the table which makes us all stronger, together.
Innovation – we encourage new approaches that help us grow and thrive.
Our members – we are dedicated to helping our members grow Nova Scotia agriculture.
Supporting Nova Scotia’s agriculture industry
Our work is dedicated to ensuring our farms are prosperous and successful, so that they are here for generations to come. This is supported in several ways including policy and advocacy, public relations, and programs.
At the Federation our policy and advocacy work is driven by our members. It is their voice, their opportunities and challenges, that lead our direction as an organization. This input comes to us through many different channels, whether that be through County Federations, our Annual General Meeting, Policy Town Halls, or our various committees such as Policy Advisory.
We actively support our members through public relations efforts that keep agriculture top of mind and ensure the farmer’s perspective is heard. Through media engagement, public awareness campaigns, and industry representation, we work to share the realities of farming, highlight key issues, and foster a strong connection between agriculture and the public.
We deliver a variety of programs and services in partnership with other agencies, which support our members through education, awareness and training.
- Environmental Farm Plan helps farmers identify and assess environmental risks on their property. It enables farmers to incorporate environmental considerations into their everyday business decisions.
- Farm Safety Nova Scotia works with Nova Scotia farms to keep farmers, their families, and their employees safe. With a goal of ensuring farmers have access to the tools and resources they need to operate safe and productive farms.
- We Talk. We Grow. is an initiative led by Farm Safety Nova Scotia raising awareness and taking action to protect and nurture the mental health and well-being of Nova Scotia’s farming community. We are dedicated to cultivating a culture where mental health is not only valued but also prioritized and protected.
- Emergency Management strengthens collaboration between farmers, industry stakeholders and government to effectively prepare, respond, and mitigate emergencies within the farming community.
- Meet Your Farmer works to increase the public’s trust in Nova Scotia’s agriculture industry through public awareness campaigns and supporting farmers in sharing their message.
- Farm & Workforce Development supports farms with human resources tools, skills training, career promotion, worker recruitment, worker retention and succession planning.
- Living Lab – Nova Scotia focuses on identifying innovative technologies and on-farm management practices that can be adopted by farmers to tackle climate change. The solutions developed throughout the living labs will also help protect biodiversity on farms, improve water and soil quality, and, through the efficient management of resources and increased resilience, strengthen farmers’ bottom lines.
