The Municipality of Cumberland was pleased to be a co-sponsor of a resolution calling for the reversal of federal agricultural research centre closures at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities annual conference in Edmonton earlier this month.
Deputy Mayor Fred Gould spoke to the resolution from the conference floor on behalf of Municipal Council:
“I am Deputy Mayor Fred Gould from the Municipality of Cumberland County in Nova Scotia.
I would like to begin by thanking the City of Lacombe, Lacombe County, and the resolution’s other co-sponsors for their leadership in bringing forward this important resolution.
Municipalities across Canada understand that agricultural research is not an abstract investment—it is a practical necessity that supports farmers, strengthens rural economies, improves food security, and helps our agricultural sector adapt to changing environmental and market conditions.
From our perspective in Nova Scotia, this issue resonates strongly. The Nappan Experimental Farm, located in Cumberland County, serves a region where agriculture remains a cornerstone of the local economy and community identity.
For generations, the Nappan Experimental Farm has been a net contributor to agricultural science and innovation—not only for Atlantic Canada, but for the entire country. Its research has supported advances in forage production, soil health, livestock management, environmental stewardship, and climate resilience.
The closure of federal agricultural research centres risks weakening Canada’s agricultural innovation capacity at a time when producers are facing increasing pressures from climate change, labour shortages, market uncertainty, and global competition.
Supporting this resolution is about recognizing that strong agricultural research infrastructure is essential to strong rural communities and a strong national economy.
I encourage delegates to support this resolution and send a clear message that Canada must maintain and strengthen the research institutions that help our agricultural sector succeed.
Thank you.”
