Support needed for new young farmers

May 29, 2015

The average age of farmers in NB according to the 2011 Census of Agriculture is 55.5 years. The total number of farms in NB dropped nearly 6% between 2006 and 2011. In a province where nearly all of the food consumed in the province is imported, supporting the next generation of farmers is essential for food security and the economic stability of our province, according to the National Farmers Union in NB.

Heated debate has taken place in Caraquet over the past few weeks between neighbours and a young farmer who is applying for a zoning change where he would like to open his organic, open-air, livestock operation on over 25 acres when he finishes agricultural college in another 2 years. While this type of operation is currently uncommon in NB it is a frequent model in the United Kingdom. Working with the recommended 6-8 animals per acre the ground is able to handle the animal output resulting in no odor problem. If the zoning change is accepted, the farm operation will still need to meet the minimum distances set out by the Ministry of Agriculture, as well as undergo an environmental impact assessment. Therefore, changing the zoning to agricultural land will not necessarily mean that animal production will be approved down the road.

"Succession planning for the next generation of farmers in NB is in a really sad state of affairs, worrisome really, even more so within the francophone population which accounts for less than

16% of farmers in the province. Here is a young man who wants to get involved in agriculture, who wants to provide his fellow citizens with organic food: let's support him instead of trying to kill his dream," says Kevin Arseneau, NFU-NB Youth President.

In a province with a shortage of jobs, steady out-migration from rural communities and out-migration of our post-secondary educated youth, all involved should be looking at how they can support young entrepreneurs to succeed in operating viable rural businesses.

Source: NFU

Video: How farmers are protecting the soil and our food security | DW Documentary

For a long time, soil was all but ignored. But for years, the valuable humus layer has been thinning. Farmers in Brandenburg are clearly feeling the effects of this on their sandy fields. Many are now taking steps to prepare their farms for the future.

Years of drought, record rainfall and failed harvests: we are becoming increasingly aware of how sensitively our environment reacts to extreme weather conditions. Farmers' livelihoods are at stake. So is the ability of consumers to afford food.

For a few years now, agriculture that focuses solely on maximum yields has been regarded with increasing skepticism. It is becoming more and more clear just how dependent we are on healthy soils.

Brandenburg is the federal state with the worst soil quality in Germany. The already thin, fertile humus layer has been shrinking for decades. Researchers and farmers who are keen to experiment are combating these developments and looking for solutions. Priority is being given to building up the humus layer, which consists of microorganisms and fungi, as well as springtails, small worms and centipedes.

For Lena and Philipp Adler, two young vegetable farmers, the tiny soil creatures are invaluable helpers. On their three-hectare organic farm, they rely on simple, mechanical weed control, fallow areas where the soil can recover, and diversity. Conventional farmer Mark Dümichen also does everything he can to protect soil life on his land. For years, he has not tilled the soil after the harvest and sows directly into the field. His yields have stabilized since he began to work this way.

Isabella Krause from Regionalwert AG Berlin-Brandenburg is convinced after the experiences of the last hot summers that new crops will thrive on Brandenburg's fields in the long term. She has founded a network of farmers who are promoting the cultivation of chickpeas with support from the scientific community.