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How the Federation Benefits the Agricultural Community in Nova Scotia

The Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture provides a significant package of both direct and indirect benefits to farm businesses in Nova Scotia. While only those farm businesses which choose to be members of the Federation enjoy the direct benefits provided by the Federation, all farm businesses in Nova Scotia enjoy the indirect benefits created by the work carried on by the Federation.

It is important to note that, while all farm businesses derive a significant benefit from the majority of the work undertaken by the Federation, the cost of that work is paid for by those farm businesses which choose to support the Federation.

Following are some examples of the direct and indirect benefits created by the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture.

Status as the recognized voice of agriculture: For more than 100 years the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture has been recognized as the official voice of agriculture in Nova Scotia. For Federation members this means that they collectively enjoy the respect of, and are listened to, by both the public and private sectors.

Public policy role: As the only recognized general farm organization in Nova Scotia, the Federation is regularly consulted by governments with respect to policy development and policy change. On behalf of the entire farm community, the Federation actively participates in the public policy making process through a variety of committees, working groups and task forces.

Legislative and regulatory reviews: The Federation reviews all new Legislation and Regulatory change to ensure there are no negative implications for agriculture. When any negative impacts are indicated, the Federation mounts a lobby campaign to have the appropriate changes made.

Policy and Legislative Impacts of NSFA:

  • Preferential treatment for the registration of farm vehicles trucks and tractors. Continual communication with the Department of Transportation to try to clarify regulations to which farmers must comply.
  • Preferential treatment with respect to the tax on fuel used for agricultural purposes.
  • Zero taxation on agricultural land and information on assessments and need for appeals.
  • Exemption from fees associated with water withdrawal.
  • Access to programs such as the Farm Investment Fund (NSFA has been successful in lobbying for the inclusion of livestock handling facilities and generators) and Industry Development Fund.
  • Environmental farm planning services
  • Retention of farm benefits under Nova Scotia Power which enables a farmer to have two 200 amp. entrances, with one serving the house.
     

Role as a ‘watchdog’ and lobby group: In addition to its role in the Legislative process, the Federation also acts as a ‘watchdog’ with respect to the formulation and administration of public policy. Every farm business in Nova Scotia benefits from the Federation’s public policy role.

Linkage to National issues: Through the Federation’s participation as an active member of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, farmers in Nova Scotia have a voice in Ottawa. The Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture also helps shape Canadian farm policy through direct representation on national advisory committees in the fields of farm income protection, the environment, biotechnology and trade, every farm business in the Province benefits from the results.

Program delivery: The Federation provides governments with an efficient and effective option for the delivery of universal programs.

Newsletters and reports: The Federation publishes 6 newsletters a year to keep its membership apprised of what is taking place in the farm community. In addition to newsletters the Federation produces ‘plain language’ background and position papers on the major issues facing the industry.

Annual General Meeting: Each year, in November/December, the Federation convenes its Annual General Meeting. This meeting provides individual members and affiliated agricultural groups with an opportunity to ‘have a say’ in the affairs of the Federation and set the direction of the organization’s lobby efforts. In addition to participation at the Annual General Meeting, Federation members are provided an opportunity to participate in focus groups, industry seminars and various committees that help shape the profile of the agricultural industry.

Access to staff resources: Federation members enjoy direct access to problem solving resource provided by Federation staff. The Federation maintains an extensive network of contacts in both the public and private sector that help members ‘cut’ bureaucratic red tape and solve problems quickly and effectively.

Access to office resources: For Federation members who live outside the central region of the province, the Federation office serves as a message center and a central point to access phone, fax and email services.

Services and promotions: Federation members have access for themselves, their families and their employees to health and accident insurance, AIL Canada offers a no cost Accidental Death Policy to all NSFA members. Members also receive benefit from special promotions such as tractor safety kits, discounts from Vogue Optical, Marks Work Ware House, Choice Hotels and Enterprise Car Rentals.