Agriculture Amendments Bill Introduced

Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Ernest Fage introduced a bill to amend agriculture-related legislation today, April 8. The Agriculture Administration Amendments 2002 Act affects the Farm Registration Act, Fences and Detention of Stray Livestock Act and the Natural Products Act.

"We are pleased to bring these amendments forward on behalf of, and in the best interests of, Nova Scotia's agricultural industry," said Mr. Fage. "Many changes are housekeeping in nature, but others are significant to the workings of this industry."

Many of the changes have been proposed in response to industry requests. The highlights from the amendments include:

• general farm organizations will be responsible for administrative duties of the farm registration refund process
• the farm registration advisory committee will be eliminated, transferring some duties to the standing appeal committee;
• a revised structure for fences arbitration committees to ensure fencing disputes are more quickly addressed; and
• the Natural Products Marketing Council is to have authority to develop or revise regulations.

The Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture is currently the only designated general farm organization in Nova Scotia. As such, it will take on the administration of the farm registration refund process for all registered farms in Nova Scotia.

As well, as part of the government's commitment to reduce the number of agencies and boards, the amendments propose the elimination of the farm registration advisory committee, transferring specific functions to the standing appeal committee. The appeal committee will oversee the designation of a general farm organization.

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries invited feedback on the proposed amendments to the Fences and Detention of Stray Livestock Act from all municipalities and the Federation of Agriculture. As a result, each arbitration committee will now include two members who represent the municipality and the industry, with extended terms of four years. The bill also requires that alternates be appointed.

Proposed amendments for the Natural Products Act will better reflect the nature of the Natural Products Marketing Council's work. These changes will ensure that the council, and the marketing boards supervised by the marketing council, can respond more quickly to the changing nature of the industry and the national marketing system.

Each of the amendments have been developed in consultation with industry, municipalities and other interested parties.