The federal government announced a $252 million aid package for the agriculture sector earlier this week but according to the Canadian Agriculture Society they require $2.6 billion.
Victor Oulton, President of the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture (NSFA) says farmers are worried if things get worse they will be in a dire position.
“It was underwhelming, we know our direct need right now is a lot higher, so $256 million won’t go very far.”
“Farmers, aren’t the kind of people who want hand outs, we just want to know that if things take a turn we will have support.” says Oulton.
Of the funding, $50 million is going to food processors like meat packaging facilities but according to Oulton the majority of that funding will end up out west where the beef and poultry industries are larger.
Another problem facing farmers in Nova Scotia is the shortage of labour. Many farms rely on foreign workers who travel to Canada for the spring season when work is readily available.
Currently foreign workers are allowed into the country to work in essential sectors like agriculture but they must self-isolate for 14 days.
Farmers have spoken to Oulton and said they’ve already made decisions either to change what they’re planting or reducing the amount they plant to deal with the labour shortage.
Oulton says foreign labour hasn’t dried up completely but it’s not at the levels needed.
“Some workers are still coming but I know farmers here could have used them two weeks ago.”
The lack of foreign labour has led to a large amount of job openings in the agriculture sector which can be found though the NSFA website.
Agriculture needs to be the governments second priority according to Outlon.
“Next to health having good food in your belly is arguably the most important thing we have to worry about, so the government needs to think about that.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau did call the funding announced an “initial amount” when he introduced it on May 5.
