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Sustainable Agriculture: Nurturing Canada's Future Growth

  Minister Bibeau's Engaging Journey in New Brunswick

During her recent visit to New Brunswick, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, embarked on an engaging journey, delving into the heart of sustainable agriculture in the region. From meeting local producers to exploring innovative practices and green initiatives, her visit highlighted the province's commitment to nurturing Canada's future growth.   A Vibrant Agri-Food Sector Showcased in New Brunswick Minister Bibeau's tour commenced with a visit to the Jardin Botanique du Nouveau-Brunswick in Saint-Jacques, where she engaged in roundtable discussions with agricultural stakeholders and local mayors. The discussions centered on various agri-food industries, including poultry, dairy, maple syrup, lamb, haskap, and potatoes. The province's agri-food sector diversity stood out as a key pillar of its economic growth, with farm cash receipts exceeding $1.1 billion in 2022, setting a record, while agri-food exports reached a record high of $689 million.   Harnessing Mushroom Power to Reduce Food Waste Continuing her exploration of innovative practices, Minister Bibeau visited Chinova Bioworks Inc. in Fredericton, where she was accompanied by Jenika Atwin, Member of Parliament for Fredericton. As a finalist in the Food Waste Reduction Challenge – Novel Technologies Streams, Chinova Bioworks showcased its groundbreaking use of mushrooms to create natural, clean-label ingredients. These ingredients enhance food and beverage quality, freshness, and shelf-life, thus contributing to significant reductions in food waste from farm to fork. The challenge's impact is substantial, with Chinova receiving substantial funding to continue its commendable efforts.  

New Brunswick fresh food market. Photo by Michael Stokes. Wikimedia.  

Pioneering Sustainable Agriculture in New Brunswick

Minister Bibeau concluded her visit with a tour of the Tantramar Grasslands Co-operative Limited, a research site under the Living Lab – New Brunswick initiative. The Minister, alongside the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure, and Communities, participated in a roundtable discussion with project partners. The focus was on the program's collaborative efforts among producers, scientists, and industry partners, emphasizing the importance of adopting beneficial management practices like rotational grazing and soil sequestration to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.   Unearthing the Roots of Local Agriculture Throughout her visit, Minister Bibeau explored numerous innovative agricultural enterprises in New Brunswick. Stops included the Fromagerie de la République in Saint-Basile, the Cormier – Producteur de légumes farm in Rivière Verte, and the family-owned pork farm, W.A. Farm, in Salisbury. Each visit provided unique insights into the rich tapestry of local agriculture, showcasing the dedication and ingenuity of Canadian farmers and producers.  

Nurturing Collaboration to Feed Canada and Beyond

A significant highlight of Minister Bibeau's tour was the annual Federal, Provincial, and Territorial Ministers of Agriculture Conference. Co-chaired by the Honourable Margaret Johnson, Minister of Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Fisheries of New Brunswick, the conference underscored the importance of collaboration to support producers and processors across Canada. As the nation aims to ensure a reliable food supply for Canadians and a growing global population, the conference played a pivotal role in shaping sustainable agriculture strategies for the future.  

In Summary

Minister Bibeau's visit to New Brunswick shed light on the province's commitment to sustainable agriculture and agri-food innovation. The engagement with local producers, exploration of innovative practices, and participation in green initiatives all contributed to the overarching goal of nurturing Canada's future growth. The journey showcased the vibrant agri-food sector, a powerful driving force in New Brunswick's economic landscape and a testament to the dedication of Canadian farmers in shaping a sustainable future.   Sources: THX News & Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Read the full article