Conference Focuses on the Future of Farming

The first Agriculture Minister’s Conference at the Halifax Convention Centre, March 3 and 4, is attracting farmers, representatives from wine, spirits and brewing industries, food processors, wholesale and retail food companies, equipment manufacturers and others, to address opportunities in agriculture.

“This event is bringing people together to explore how we will grow and sustain Nova Scotia’s agriculture sector, and support a stronger economy,” said Agriculture Minister Keith Colwell. “This is an opportunity for producers to learn from global and regional innovators, to talk to fellow producers and agri-businesses about their successes and spend time discovering how we can shape the future of our sector.”

Conference speakers and participants will address numerous topics from innovation, labour and climate change, emerging food, wine and beverage trends, sustainable sourcing and practices and building and protecting Nova Scotia’s food system.

A trade show with more than 30 participants features companies and organizations with products and services for the agriculture sector.

Quotes:

“We are looking forward to participating in the first annual minister’s conference. The event is sure to be a great networking and educational opportunity for the agricultural industry here in Nova Scotia. Our staff will be participating in some of the panel discussions and will be available to connect with you at the tradeshow. We hope to see you there.”

– Victor Oulton, president, Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture

Quick Facts:

• the primary agriculture sector employed 5,200 full-time and part-time workers in Nova Scotia in 2019, an increase of 11 per cent over 2018
• Nova Scotia international agriculture and agri-food exports totalled $364 million in 2019, up one per cent from 2018
• agri-food products are fourth largest export category in Nova Scotia
• wild blueberries are Nova Scotia’s largest agriculture and agri-food exports valued at $139.5 million, up 34 per cent from 2018
• more than 400 participants are registered for the conference

Additional Resources:

Agriculture Minister’s Conference: https://www.perennia.ca/agriconference/