Province announces climate change, growth strategy for farmers
On a 19-degree Friday afternoon in November, provincial officials gathered with a small crowd of farmers at Coburn Farms in Keswick Ridge.
Remarking on the unseasonably high temperatures, Agriculture Minister Pat Finnigan said, “I think we’re going to be growing bananas soon if this keeps up.”
He announced the New Brunswick Agriculture Growth Action Plan and the Agriculture Climate Change Strategy.
“Together, these initiatives will help strengthen our agriculture sector, grow our economy, and build a more resilient, sustainable future for producers across the province,” Finnigan said.
He said the business side of the plan will focus on optimizing existing farmland, developing business to support producers, expand their processing facilities or capacities, and expand domestic and international market opportunities.
Finnegan heralded the farm that hosted the event as an example of a farm that had moved to start producing their own product, which he called moving to “value-added product.”
The plan will track emissions reductions in the sector and help the industry deal with drought, soil health and pests.
Sixth-generation farmer David Coburn said in an interview that the orchard used to have 100 acres until the apple market collapsed in the 1990s, and the farm went down to 10 acres. Now, he said 98 per cent of those acres are processed to make cider, some of which is then turned into apple syrup.
“I mean, we need more value-added production. I’m a firm believer in that,” Coburn said.
Farmer David Coburn said he supports efforts for farms to move to value-added production. His farm began mostly producing cider following market changes and downsizing their orchard 30 years ago. (Ian Curran/CBC)
“And but we also have to deal with climate change and those are realities that we all have to face. And so any help that we can get on that adaptation is very, very critical.”
Coburn said last summer’s drought resulted in the smallest apple crop in 20 years, but this year’s summer with more balanced rain was one of the biggest crops in 25 years.
He said other farmers are also interested in the strategy announced Friday.
“Everybody’s looking at innovation and where they’re going, incorporating technology.”
Finnigan said provincial funding for the plan started with $200,000 in 2025-2026 and will be $2.2 million in 2026-2027, alongside federal funding.
He said the plan was not a replacement of existing government programs to help agriculture.
“It’s in addition, it’s a strategic investment in key projects that will help advance our priorities around the farmland and business development and market growth.”
Environment and Climate Change Minister Gilles LePage said the plan will aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the farming industry. (Ian Curran/CBC)
Environment and Climate Change Minister Gilles LePage said climate change is creating uncertainty for farmers with increasingly unpredictable conditions.
“More frequent extreme weather events, prolonged droughts, excessive rainfall, flooding, heat waves and changing growing conditions are affecting crop yields, livestock production, infrastructure and farm profitability,” LePage said.
He said the plan will aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from farms, even though they only make up four per cent of emissions in the province.
“While relatively modest, this represents an opportunity to advance practical solutions,” he said.
Speaking to reporters after the announcement, LePage said the department will work with farmers to determine ways to reduce emissions, adding that the strategy was made with the help of input from farmers and farming groups.
“They want change, they want improvements, they want to make sure that the land is sustainable. So we are going to give them the tools to help them out and they’re going to help us manage our expectations,” LePage said.
He mentioned projects like improved nutrient management, energy efficient equipment and carbon sequestration as some examples.
When asked what specific targets the province has for emissions reductions on farms, Finnigan said he didn’t have the exact numbers, “but it’s about where we’re at today and where we want to be. And we will be doing those measurables and adjust as we need to to make sure that we meet them.”
A news release about the event linked to the strategy, which is dated from February, details more specific aspects of the plan. It also said the strategy would position the sector to reduce emissions by 40 kilotonnes by 2030 and 60 kilotonnes by 2050.
Asked about buy-in from farmers, Finnigan said he thinks “most progressive farmers are in it” and that if farms don’t join in, “I don’t think there’s a future.”
Pointing back to Coburn Farms, Finnegan said, “this farm here has realized that a long time ago. And I think people are going to join this strategy to move forward and be sustainable in the future.”
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