Nova Scotia forum to tackle rising farm costs and food affordability

CANNING · A community forum in Canning, N.S., will focus on rising production costs for farmers and growing food affordability concerns for families later this month. The event, called Closing the Loop: Farmers, Food & Families, is organized by the Kings North NDP. It will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 25 at 7 p.m. at the Ross Creek Annex. The forum aims to bring together farmers, food advocates and community members to discuss challenges facing local food production and access.

Jim Morton, president of the Kings North NDP, said the idea came from discussions about the rising cost of living and local challenges. He noted the Annapolis Valley produces abundant food, yet many residents struggle to afford groceries. "There’s an increased demand in food banks here as there is across Nova Scotia," Morton said. He said farmers face rising costs for supplies while trying to earn adequate returns, and they compete with cheaper imports.

Morton also highlighted a decline in food-processing opportunities in the region, saying many value-added businesses now operate on a smaller scale. The forum's name reflects a need to strengthen connections between food producers and families. "Solutions come at an early stage from dialogue," Morton said. He acknowledged one discussion will not resolve all challenges but hopes it encourages collaboration.

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Krista Gallagher, the MLA for Halifax Chebucto and the NDP's agriculture critic, will be a featured speaker at the event. She said the pressures on farmers extend beyond the Annapolis Valley. "The No. 1 thing I hear of is affordability," Gallagher said. She noted farmers across the province struggle with diesel, electricity and fertilizer costs, while families face higher food prices. Gallagher said rising production costs pressure agricultural businesses to remain viable.

Gallagher introduced legislation in February 2025 proposing an agriculture and food security secretariat for a more co-ordinated approach. She said the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture has also called for a food and beverage strategy. As a co-owner of Local Source Market in Halifax, Gallagher suggested consumers can support local producers by shopping at farmers markets. She said she hopes to hear directly from farmers and families at the forum about their experiences and needs.

"I want to hear their stories," Gallagher said. "I wanna hear what they need from the government." She aims to bring those concerns and proposed solutions back to the provincial legislature. The forum will also feature Jenny Osburn, an entrepreneur and local food advocate, and farmer Josh Oulton. Former Kentville town councillor Gillian Yorke will moderate the discussion.

Morton said the event is intended for farmers, food retailers, families and other community members to exchange ideas. He said the goal is to explore how farmers can earn a reasonable return while making local food more accessible and affordable. The discussion follows a difficult year for farmers that included a drought. Food bank visits have been rising across Canada as costs squeeze families. Novello Desserts reported in November that visits are up nearly nine percent from last year.

With files from PNI Atlantic News