FarmingInNewBrunswick RoadMapForNewEntrants

Farming in New Brunswick…
A Road Map for New Entrants

2020 Edition
Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries

2020 Edition
Province of New Brunswick

PO 6000, Fredericton NB E3B 5H1 CANADA
www.gnb.ca
Print English: 978-1-4605-2379-7

Print French: 978-1-4605-2377-3
PDF English: 978-1-4605-2380-3

PDF French: 978-1-4605-2378-0
12399 | 2020.01 | Printed in New Brunswick

Credits:
The Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and
Fisheries is grateful for the generosity of the Nova Scotia
Department of Agriculture and the Prince Edward Island
Department of Agriculture and Forestry for allowing the
use of various portions of their respective guides.
Portions of this Road Map were adapted from two sources:
The Guide for Beginning Farmers on Prince Edward Island,
which in turn adapted its guide from Beginning Farmers
in Nova Scotia, a publication of THINKFARM. THINKFARM is
a program of the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture
that supports beginning and transitioning farmers.
Disclaimer:
Farming in New Brunswick … A Road Map for New Entrants
is intended to serve as a resource for those who may wish
to start farming in New Brunswick. It is not a stand-alone
guide. We encourage new entrants to consult with the
Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries,
general farm organizations (GFOs) and the commodity
association of their choice before making any financial
decisions.
This document contains specific information contained
in regulations from several government departments.
These can change, so it is important that to verify these
specifics with the relevant agency.
The Government of New Brunswick and the Department
of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries will not be
held liable for any decisions made on the basis of the
information in this guide.
Table of contents
1. Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
2. First steps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2.1 Define your goals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2.2 Assess your resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2.3 Decide what you want to produce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.3.1 Commodities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.3.2 Alternative production methods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.3.3 Compatible income opportunities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.3.4 Value-added opportunities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.4 Develop your business plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3. Essentials of farming. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3.1 Markets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3.2 Land. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3.2.1 Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.3 Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.4 Labour. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.4.1 Temporary foreign workers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.5 Training. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
4. Commodity profiles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4.1 Livestock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4.1.1 Dairy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4.1.2 Poultry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.1.2.1 Eggs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.1.2.2 Broilers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.1.2.3 Turkey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.1.2.4 Other poultry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.1.2.5 Hatchery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.1.3 Beef . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.1.4 Swine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
4.1.5 Sheep. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
4.1.6 Goats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
4.2 Crops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
4.2.1 Potatoes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
4.2.2 Tree fruit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4.2.3 Small fruit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.2.3.1 Blueberries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.2.3.2 Strawberries and raspberries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.2.3.3 Cranberries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.2.3.4 Other small fruits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4.2.4 Vegetables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4.2.5 Grain and oilseed crops. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4.2.6 Grapes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
4.3 Specialty farm operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
4.3.1 Greenhouse/nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
4.3.2 Beekeeping. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4.3.3 Christmas trees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4.3.4 Fur (mink, fox). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4.3.5 Maple syrup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
5. Resources available:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
5.1 Agricultural Development Board – loan programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
5.1.1 Agricultural direct loans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
5.1.2 Livestock Incentive Loan Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
5.1.3 Loan guarantees for agriculture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
5.1.4 New Entrant Farmer Loan Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
5.1.5 New Land Lease Purchase Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
5.1.6 Perennial Crop Establishment Loan Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
5.2 Government financial assistance programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
5.3 Other potential financial resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
5.4 Other Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries services and publications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
5.5 Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries veterinary services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
6. Registrations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
6.1 Registered Professional Agricultural Producer (RPAP). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
6.2 Obtaining your Fuel Tax Exemption Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
6.3 Registering your business. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
6.4 Federal Business Number. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
6.5 Income tax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
6.6 Farm vehicle licence plates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
7. Typical licences and permits required. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
7.1 Dairy Farm Milk Producer’s Licence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
7.2 Pesticide Applicator Licence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
7.3 Fuel storage tanks on the farm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
7.4 Beekeepers Registrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
7.5 Building-related permits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
7.5.1 Development and building permits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
7.5.2 Electrical permits – Department of Justice and Public Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
7.5.3 Plumbing permits – Department of Justice and Public Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
7.5.4 Septic system permits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
7.6 Other licences. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
8. Acts, regulations and policies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
8.1 Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
8.1.1 Livestock Operations Act. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
8.1.2 Natural Products Act. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
8.1.2.1 Milk quality regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
8.1.2.2 Organic Grade Regulation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
8.1.3 Farm Land Identification Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
8.1.4 Agricultural Operations Practices Act. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
8.1.5 Apiary Inspection Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
8.1.6 Diseases of Animals Act. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
8.1.7 Potato Disease Eradication Act. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
8.1.8 Poultry Health Protection Act and regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
8.1.9 Abattoir waste and carcass disposal guidelines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
8.2 Department of Environment and Local Government. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
8.2.1 Clean Environment Act. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
8.2.1.1 Water Quality Regulation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
8.2.1.2 Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation (EIA). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
8.2.1.3 Petroleum Product Storage and Handling Regulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
8.2.1.4 Water Well Regulation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
8.2.1.5 Watercourse and Wetland Alteration Regulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
8.2.2 Clean Air Act. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
8.2.2.1 Air Quality Regulation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
8.2.3 Pesticides Control Act. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
8.2.4 Unsightly Premises Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
8.2.5 Cemetery Companies Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
8.2.6 The Beneficial Use of Industrial By-Products as Soil amendments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
8.3 Department of Justice and Public Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
8.3.1 Motor Vehicle Act. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
8.4 Department of Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
8.4.1 Medicare. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
8.4.2 Public Health Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
8.4.2.1 Food premises regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
8.4.2.2 Abattoir Regulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
8.4.2.3 Dairy Plant and Transportation of Milk Regulation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
8.4.2.4 Farmers’ markets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
8.5 Department of Post-Secondary Education Training and Labour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
8.5.1 Employment Standards Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
8.5.2 Acts administrated by WorkSafeNB. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
8.6 Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
8.6.1 Education Act. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
9. Other useful information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
9.1 Heat units and precipitation data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
9.2 Crop guides. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
9.3 The Environmental Farm Plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
9.4 Agro-environmental clubs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
9.5 Manure management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
9.6 On-farm composting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
9.7 Clearing land for farming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
9.8 Crossing streams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
9.9 Wildlife damage; mitigation and compensation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
9.10 Burning permits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
9.11 Road signage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Appendix A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
New Brunswick statistical review by commodity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Appendix B: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Agriculture lands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Appendix C: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Industry contact information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
General farm organizations (GFOs). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Other farm organizations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Commodity organizations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Forest products marketing boards and woodlot owner associations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Appendix D: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Farm-related publications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Other resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
National commodity organizations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Other related organizations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Resources and regulatory information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Financial assistance and business development programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Regional agri-food research and development facilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
1. Introduction
Farming has a long history in New Brunswick. Agriculture Although much of this Road Map contains information
and its related industries, such as food processing, make about permits, licences and other regulations, please do
a vital contribution to the province’s economy, society not feel daunted by these requirements; depending on
and culture. your situation, not all are required. They are included to
inform you ahead of time of various potential requirements
The Government of New Brunswick values our farmers
about which you should know. New Brunswick has a
and appreciates the importance of attracting new people
great deal to offer, and we want your experience with
to the agriculture industry. There are many opportunities
us to be excellent.
for new entrants to farm in our province. New Brunswick
has good land available at relatively affordable prices and To be a successful farmer, you need to think through your
plenty of water. We hope you will consider making our plans very carefully. It is important to write things down
province your farming destination. so that you can easily re-evaluate your plans and measure
your progress. There are a number of planning steps that
The Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries
you should follow before getting started in farming. This
has put together this Road Map for people who are new
guide will take you through those steps and direct you to
to, or interested in, farming in New Brunswick. This guide
additional sources of information on topics too detailed
will help you access the services and information you
to be covered in this document.
need to help make your farm successful.
Call us or visit…
The New Brunswick Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries is staffed by professionals
interested in helping you achieve your goal of becoming a farmer.
For more information, call 1-888-622-4742 (toll-free) or 506-453-2666, or email, DAAF-MAAP @gnb.ca
or visit www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/10/agriculture.html.

1
2. First steps
2.1 Define your goals

Why do you want to farm? Once you
know that, you can determine what you
want to produce and how you want to
farm. People want to be farmers for many
reasons, including:
• a way of earning a living;
• cultural ties to the land and/or the
farming way of life;
• a desire to increase household food
security and self-reliance;
• a way to supplement income from
another job; and
• a combination of any of these reasons or other reasons.
2.2 Assess your resources
Most people have more than one reason for wanting to
Resources include your people, land, capital, infrastructure,
farm. For example, those who want to earn their main
equipment and information. Make a list of what you have
income from their farm will develop a different scale
and another list of what you think you still need to get
of enterprise than those who only want to supplement
started. If you have trouble completing this step, the
their income. Beginning farmers with small children will
Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries
have different goals than retirees. Talk with someone
can help.
who has agricultural or business expertise about what
you expect from farming or read some of the resources
If you already have…
listed in this Road Map before taking the next step. Our
agriculture business growth officers, development officers Land:
and commodity specialists can assist you define your • How much area do you want to farm?
goals. (see Appendix B for contact details.) • Are there any bylaws or regulations that would restrict
the type of farm enterprise you can develop?
• Are there any environmental or other considerations
Are you really sure that farming is for you?
If you do not have farming experience, you should give serious that would restrict the type of farm enterprise you can
consideration to spending at least a year working on different types develop? (e.g., proximity to neighbours, proximity to
of farms before investing your time, energy and capital in a farm wetlands)
enterprise. This will help you decide what kind of farming suits your • What kinds of crops and livestock are suited to the land?
goals and interests. You may also decide that farming is not for you. (this will depend on soil type and productivity, drainage,
You Can Farm: The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Start and Succeed in a
slope, climate)
Farming Enterprise by Joel Salatin gives an excellent overview of what
you can expect from a farm lifestyle. Capital:
• How much can you or are you willing to invest in your
farm enterprise?
• What return on investment do you expect and how
quickly do you expect to see it?
• On what other sources of capital, including commercial
lenders, can you draw?

2
Infrastructure: • Non-supply-managed livestock:
• What sort of infrastructure exists on your farm –– beef;
(e.g., wells, barns, sheds, fencing)? –– swine;
• Is the infrastructure in a safe and useable state? If not, –– sheep;
can it be repaired? –– goats.
Equipment: • Crop farms:
• What sort of equipment do you have? (i.e., tractors, other –– potatoes;
farm machinery, machine and carpentry tools, computer, –– tree fruit – primarily apples. A few plum, pears and
stand-by generators, snow plowing equipment, etc.) other tree fruit;
• Is the existing equipment in a safe and useable state? –– small fruit – strawberries, blueberries, cranberries
If not, can it be repaired? and raspberries;
• Are there custom operators available in your area? –– mixed vegetables;
Using them can reduce equipment needs – especially –– grains, oil seeds, cereals;
in beginning years. –– forages;
–– wine grapes;
Information:
–– shrubs, sod;
• What do you know about farming?
–– floriculture.
• What do you know about marketing farm products?
• What do you know about farm legislation in New • Specialty products:
Brunswick? –– maple syrup;
• Do you know where to get more information about –– Christmas trees;
farming in New Brunswick? –– bees – honey, pollination;
–– fur – mink, fox, rabbit;
–– ducks, quail.
2.3 Decide what you
want to produce For more information on each commodity, see Section 4.
There is a wide variety of farms in New Brunswick. These Many farms are engaged in more than one commodity.
include supply-managed livestock, non-supply-managed In addition, within each commodity there are farms of
livestock, crop farms and farms producing specialty different scales. For example, one vegetable farm might be
products. Supply management means the relevant 100 acres and sell all of its produce to a wholesaler, while
commodity marketing board matches supply to demand by another may only be two acres but sell all of its produce
allocating production quotas to producers and setting the at a farmers’ market or through a Community Supported
prices for the commodity. This ensures that farmers have a Agriculture (CSA) program.
stable and adequate income and provides consumers with Within each category, there is a a variety of production and
a high-quality and consistent supply of these commodities. marketing methods. You can raise beef cattle on pasture
However, the supply-managed commodities are heavily or feed them grain and silage in a feedlot. You can have
regulated and often the most difficult commodities for an apple orchard and sell all the apples to a retailer or sell
new farmers to enter. them primarily through a U-Pick.
2.3.1 Commodities What you decide to grow, at what scale, and the production
methods you choose to use depend on your goals, the
Some of the commodities produced in New Brunswick amount of capital you have to invest, your location and
can be categorized as follows: how you plan to market your farm products. The various
• Supply-managed livestock (a quota is required for this commodity groups and their contact information are
group): found in Appendix C. These groups may be able to provide
–– dairy cows; assistance in answering questions related to their industry.
–– poultry-meat chickens (broilers);
2.3.2 Alternative production methods
–– egg-laying chickens (layers);
–– turkeys. Organic farming
One production method is organic farming, which restricts

3
and in some cases prohibits the use of synthetic inputs. Most, products throughout the province.
if not all, of the above farm commodities can be certified
However, BEFORE you begin production of value-added
organic. For more information about organic certification
products, be sure to contact the provincial Department
and production, contact the organic specialist (Appendix B)
of Health and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency
or one of the three following organizations (Appendix C):
(CFIA) for any food safety regulations and food premises
• Atlantic Canada Organic Regional Network (ACORN);
licences that may be required. (see Section 8.4 for details
• Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC);
on provincial regulations). The Department of Health can
• Canadian Organic Growers (COG).
provide guidance on CFIA requirements, if any.
An important note for those wishing to use the word
”organic” for a product produced and sold in the province:
New Brunswick has an organic grade regulation under the
New Brunswick Farm Products Commission, which regulates
the use of the word “organic” (see section 8.1.2.2). In simple
terms, any New Brunswick products sold in the province
that are labelled as organic must be certified in accordance
with the Federal Organic Products Regulations and the
Canadian Organic Standards. To keep its organic status, a
product needs to be certified yearly by an accredited organic
certification agency. For a list of certified organic agencies,
contact ACORN (Appendix C) or the organic and vegetable
specialist with the Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture
and Fisheries (Appendix section 8.1.2.2).
2.3.3 Compatible income opportunities

2.4 Develop your business plan
Now that you have completed First Steps, it is time to put
Woodlots on the farm
together a business plan based on your best estimates.
Forests cover 85 per cent of New Brunswick, and woodlands
Essential elements of a business plan include, but are not
often make up a significant portion of New Brunswick
limited to, the following items:
farms. Private forests play a vital role in our economy,
environment and society. They provide many traditional • A self-assessment of your skills, strengths and weaknesses.
forest products such as firewood, pulpwood, hardwood • A sales and marketing plan.
and softwood lumber. They also offer opportunities in –– What and how much you will sell during the next
non-timber products such as maple syrup, Christmas trees, five years.
wild berry jams and jellies, medicinals, decoratives, nature –– Identification of your markets.
enjoyment as well as recreation and wildlife habitat. For • A projection of your profit and loss (P&L).
more information about New Brunswick forests, several • A cash flow projection (different from your P&L
sources are available: the Department of Energy and
projection) that includes:
Resource Development, the New Brunswick Federation of
–– Capital needed for equipment and infrastructure
Woodlot Owners, or the forest products marketing board
purchases.
in your area. (see Appendix C for contact information).
–– Operating capital to cover financial needs until cash
Christmas trees flow from operations starts coming in.
Growing Christmas trees is another potential source of • Labour needs and how they will be fulfilled.
income for farmers. (see Section 4.3.3 for more information). In developing your business plan it is important to make it
as realistic as possible. It is recommended that professional
2.3.4 Value-added opportunities
advice be sought at this stage of your plan. This could
Think about adding value be from other successful farmers, the Department of
One way that farmers can increase their profits is by adding Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries, farm business
value to their farm product. You can turn milk into cheese, consultants or accountants trained in assisting in the
pork into sausages, wool into sweaters, or small fruit into development of a business plans.
jam. There are a number of small-scale processors of farm

4
3. Essentials of farming
3.1 Markets
After you have evaluated First
Steps (Section 2), it is vital that
you ensure there is a market
for your product and that
you understand some basics
about the markets and related
regulations that may apply to
you. Some of the basics are
listed below. It is recommended
that you contact the commodity
organization of your chosen
area of production to discuss
details more fully.
Certain products can only be sold within the province, while Products that can be sold outside of the province
others can be sold inter-provincially and internationally. but must be processed in a federally licensed and
Some products can only be sold at the farmgate or at inspected facility:
farmers’ markets, while others can be sold in supermarkets. • Meat and dairy products.
There are five general categories of products. The following Products that may be sold within and outside the
section gives an overview of the categories and some of province without a licence or permit:
the products that fit in each. • All fresh fruit and vegetables.
Products that can be sold without a licence or permit NOTE: These are subject to the federal and provincial
IF sold directly to the consumer: fresh fruit and vegetable regulations. These regulations
• Ungraded eggs produced by a non-quota producer deal primarily with the grades, labelling and packaging
who is in compliance with the applicable regulations requirements.
regarding the maximum number of laying hens
(199) etc.; If the commodity you are interested in is not listed here,
• Jams and jellies. check with the association related to the commodity of
your choice found in Appendix C.
Products that can be sold anywhere in the province
without a licence or permit:
• Flowers; 3.2 Land
• Honey; There are many means of obtaining land for farming and a
• Maple syrup. variety of ways to finance these transactions. Listed below
Products that can be sold in the province, but must be are some of the options available.
prepared and/or processed in a provincially licensed Finding farm land:
and inspected facility: • Through the NB Agri Start website Farm Land
• Meat products; Inventory Database
• Dairy products; https://www.agridepartnb.ca/repetoire-terres
• Baked goods – these may be sold inter-provincially • Through a real estate broker.
as well; • Through the various options available on the Internet
• Value-added products (in general); (Kijiji, classified advertisements, etc.).
• Processed vegetables; • Through advertisements in the local newspapers and
• Processed fruit.
5
various trade journals (Farm Focus, Rural Delivery). If it is, it needs to be understood if the seller will be paying
• By contacting land owners directly. off the deferred taxes and associated interest, or if the
• By talking with the Department of Agriculture, purchaser will assume this liability. If the purchaser intends
Aquaculture and Fisheries business growth. (see to continue farming, the deferred taxes and associated
Appendix B). interest do not have to be paid, but they will still be
• By talking with lending institutions. a liability. This needs to be clear in a sales agreement.
agreement. (see Section 8.1.3 for more details).
NOTE: Land must be suitable for the production desired.
Poor land may affect your success. Important questions to ask your realtor or real
estate agent:
1. Do they have experience in selling agricultural land
and farm operations?
2. Do they understand the FLIP?
3. Do they have the capacity to value the farm operation
as business or just the land and buildings?
4. Do they charge commission on just the land and
buildings or do they also charge commission on the
value of the business, licences or quota if involved
in the sale?
Important questions to ask your lawyer:
Some options for financing the acquisition or use of
1. Do they understand FLIP in order to advise you about
the land:
the options available to you?
• leasing or renting with or without an option to purchase;
2. If you are planning on having livestock on the farm,
• sweat equity (working for a number of years for a
do they understand the Livestock Operations Act so
percentage of ownership);
they can advise you on your rights and obligations
• owner financing;
in this matter?
• if hay is being harvested, a fixed price per bale could
be the rental fee; Field staff at the Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture
• if using the land for pasture, a potential option is to pay and Fisheries, and/or the soil specialist, may assist in the
an amount per animal per day using the land; evaluation of land prior to your purchase to assess its
• on lands no longer being farmed, offers could include suitability for your plans. It is very important that the
no rent in exchange for: quality of land matches the agricultural activity planned.
–– caring for the land to include fencing, liming, Land can also be purchased by the Agricultural
composting, applying manure, fertilizers, intensive Development Board and leased to eligible farmers for
pasture management, reseeding, ditching six years, at which time it must be purchased. This can
maintenance, even drain tiling as needed; help in managing cash flow in the start-up years. (see
–– depending on how much care of the land is offered, Section 5.1 for details).
make sure the “renter” has a multi-year contract. The
Leasing Crown land is a possibility depending on location.
more services offered to the land owner, the longer
About 50 per cent of New Brunswick land, which is mostly
the contract should be;
timber, is owned by the Crown. The Crown leases about
• offering to pay for the taxes on the land.
60,000 acres for agricultural activities, primarily maple
If you decide to buy land, especially undeveloped land, syrup, blueberries, cranberries and community pastures.
ensure there are no bylaws, regulations or other limitations See Section 5.1.5 and the following link: www2.gnb.ca/
that will restrict use of the land for agriculture. content/gnb/en/departments/10/agriculture.html.
It is also important to know if the land is registered A program was introduced in 2014 to lease Crown
under the Farm Land Identification Program (FLIP). land for blueberry production. Details are at:
https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/services/services_ http://www2.gnb.ca/content/dam/
renderer.14296.Farm_Land_Identification_Program_.html gnb/Departments/10/pdf/Agriculture/
CrownLandLeaseAllocationProcessWildBlueberries.pdf.
6
3.2.1 Maps 3.4 Labour
Maps can be a useful tool in finding suitable lands. The Finding skilled and unskilled farm workers can be a
Department has established new interactive maps to challenge. Some sector organizations, such as Potatoes
help prospective farmers begin to investigate areas and NB, offer help during peak harvest times.
properties that may be favourable to certain crops.
Advertising for farm help can be done via many avenues
The map is intended as a guide for both prospective new today (e.g., the Internet Facebook, Kijiji, job bank listings,
entrants and existing farmers looking for insight into where local newspapers, radio and television).
to establish specific crops and where to pursue further
The Canadian Agricultural Human Resources Council
research and investigation.
(CAHRC) is an excellent resource for the new or experienced
Data including growing degree days, soil drainage, slope farmer looking for assistance in finding help or receiving
and frost risk were used to develop the maps. The maps training in human resources and other related topics. It
also provide access to other useful information, including can be contacted at 1-866-430-7457 (toll-free) or at: www.
the property size and tax assessments for land. cahrc-ccrha.ca.
Please note that the interactive map serves as a
guide only. Each potential site should be individually
inspected by a knowledgeable person to insure that
the site meets all requirements for the intended crop.
https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/10/
agriculture/content/agriculture-suitability.html
3.3 Equipment
There are a number of agricultural equipment dealers
in New Brunswick that sell new and used equipment.
A significant quantity of used farm machinery is sold
through online classified sites such as www.kijiji.ca, www.
ironsearch.com and www.agriculturesearch.com, or in the 3.4.1 Temporary foreign workers
classifieds in farm periodicals. (see Appendix D). Hiring temporary foreign workers is another possibility
that some farmers use, particularly for seasonal needs.
There are a number of farm supply stores across the
New Brunswick has developed an employer guide to help
province that sell animal feed and agricultural equipment,
employers navigate through this process. It is at:
such as fencing equipment and animal feeders. Check
your local Yellow Pages for listings under Farm Equipment, www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/post-
Farm Supplies and Feed Dealers. secondary_education_training_and_labour/People/
content/EmploymentStandards/ForeignWorkerRegistry.
html. For more information on temporary and immigrant
workers view Appendix E.
3.5 Training
offers a variety of training opportunities that are generally
commodity specific. Commodity organizations, in turn,
inform their members of such opportunities.
Other training courses are offered by the community
colleges of New Brunswick in certain specialized areas
such as pesticide training.
The New Brunswick Soil and Crop Improvement Association
(NBSCIA) offers a number of one-day training seminars
throughout the year.

7
For longer-term training, the Dalhousie University Faculty • Several CEGEPs in Quebec also offer opportunities in
of Agriculture (formerly the Nova Scotia Agricultural post-secondary education in agriculture.
College) offers a number of programs, including a • Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick
Diploma in Enterprise Management and a Bachelor of (CCNB) has five campuses around the province. Its
Technology, in addition to its four-year Bachelor of Science website is: www.ccnb.nb.ca
in Agriculture program. For more information, visit www. Organic apprenticeship and mentoring programs:
dal.ca/agriculture or call 902-893-6600.
There is programs offered or administered by the
The Centre for Continuing and Distance Education operated Atlantic Canada Organic Regional Network (ACORN):
by Dalhousie University offers a variety of courses online
1-866-322-2676 (toll-free).
and in class that may be of interest to beginning farmers.
These courses include Exploring the Small Farm Dream, SOIL Apprenticeship Program: Stewards of Irreplaceable
Tractor Safety, the Modern Shepherd, and a number of Land (SOIL) is the only national farm apprenticeship
courses on organic farming. For more information, contact program in Canada, with more than 75 farms participating.
the Centre for Continuing and Distance Education at SOIL promotes apprenticeships which transfer lasting
902-893-6666 or visit https://www.dal.ca/faculty/ knowledge to both the farmer and apprentice. To
agriculture/extended-learning/programs-courses.html. access application forms and to view a full listing of
farms offering apprenticeship opportunities, visit:
Opportunities for agricultural training in French are
www.soilapprenticeships.com.
available at the following universities and colleges:
For a comprehensive directory of agricultural training
• Université Laval
opportunities across Canada, see the website www.
Quebec City, Quebec
agritalent.ca or call the Canadian Agricultural Human
418-656-2131
Resource Council at 1-866-430-7457 (toll-free).
www2.ulaval.ca
• Institut de technologie agroalimentaire has two
campuses:
– La Pocatière, Quebec
418-856-1110
– St Hyacinthe, Quebec
450-778-6504

8
4. Commodity profiles
New Brunswick agriculture is a diverse industry with more milk quality regulations. (see Section 8.1.2.1 for more
than 30 commodities being produced. Many producers details and a link to these regulations).
are engaged in more than one sector and many sectors 6. Bio-security measures on the farm are of growing
have sub-sectors within their group. For statistical details importance to the livestock sector. Each commodity
about all the agriculture sectors, producer numbers and organization has its own best management practices.
farmgate values, see Appendix A. It is important that you understand what they are.
Important notes for all new agricultural producers to 7. The National Farm Animal Care Council has developed
New Brunswick codes of practices for the welfare of animals. These
Some sectors require registration with their commodity excellent resources are at www.nfacc.ca/codes-of-
boards, and some require a levy or quota to produce practice.
and/or sell the product. It is important to check with 8. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has
your commodity to see what is required before you recommended codes of practice for the care and
start production. Currently (2020), all supply-managed handling of farm animals. Information about these
commodities (dairy, eggs, chicken, turkey), potatoes, codes of practice is on the CFIA website www.
apples, beef, hogs, blueberries and cranberries require inspection.gc.ca.
levies to be paid to their respective associations.
9. Movement of live animals across international borders
4.1 Livestock and some provincial borders may require permits or
some sort of health inspection reports from CFIA.
Important notes for potential livestock producers
10. In general, all livestock sectors will require sufficient
3. If you are interested in having livestock on your farm,
land base to meet nutrient management requirements
or are interested in purchasing a livestock operation,
for the disposal of manure.
it is important that you fully understand the Livestock
Operations Act and its potential impact on how you can 4.1.1 Dairy
set up your operation. The Department of Agriculture,
Aquaculture and Fisheries staff can help you learn What do you need to produce cow’s milk in New Brunswick?
about this. A synopsis of the act and its requirements • A licence from the New Brunswick Farm Products
can be found in Section 8.1.1. It is important to know Commission to produce and sell cow’s milk.
that the act applies to most agricultural livestock, • Dairy cattle and young replacement stock.
including mink, chickens and turkeys. Horses, llama, • Quota sufficient to match daily production expectations
alpacas, ducks and geese are excluded. Further (87 kg of butter fat/farm [2016] is the provincial average).
information on the LOA is at http://laws.gnb.ca/en/ A minimum of 10 kg is required to ship milk as a licensed
showfulldoc/cs/L-11.01//20140916. producer. This quota is purchased through the Dairy
4. Meat sold in New Brunswick must be slaughtered, cut Farmers of New Brunswick (DFNB), which may not
and wrapped at either a provincially inspected abattoir always have quota available.
or a federally inspected abattoir. Meat produced in • Adherence to the milk quality regulations. (see Section
New Brunswick, but sold outside the province, must be 8.1.2.1).
slaughtered, cut and wrapped at a federally registered • An all-weather barn of sufficient size to house all the
abattoir. There are about 30 provincially inspected cattle.
abattoirs throughout New Brunswick and two federally • Land for spreading manure, pasturing and producing
inspected poultry abattoirs in the northwestern corner grain and forage (unless grain and forage will be
of the province. exclusively purchased).
• Access to storage structures and equipment for producing
5. Production of milk by animals, including but not
and storing sufficient grain and forage to meet the cattle’s
limited to, cows, goats and sheep, are subject to the
nutritional requirements throughout the year.
9
• A manure storage area with sufficient capacity for at Dairy cattle can be kept to produce milk or other dairy
least seven months and which meets New Brunswick products for personal consumption without the need
environmental regulations preventing surface water for a quota. Raw milk and other raw milk dairy products
and ground water contamination. cannot be sold or given away.
• Approved milking equipment, including a bulk storage Raw milk cheese may be sold if it is from a provincially
tank. licensed plant and meets Department of Health regulations.
4.1.2 Poultry
What do you need to be a poultry producer in
New Brunswick?
The poultry industry is highly regulated and prospective
poultry producers should contact the appropriate
commodity association for a complete list of regulations.
(see Appendix C for contact details).
4.1.2.1 Eggs
There are about 200 dairy farms in the province with

milking herds ranging in size from 15 to 420 head, plus
about the same number of young stock. Dairy farming is
one of the more stable farm commodities in New Brunswick
due to the supply management system. However, it can
be difficult for new farmers to enter the industry because
of the cost to purchase quota, currently (2016) capped
at $24,000 per kg. The infrastructure and equipment
investment costs are also higher for dairy farmers than for
other types of less intensive farms. DFNB has developed
a New Entrant Program to help two successful applicants What do you need to be an egg producer in New Brunswick?
each year with a quota loan. The details of this program are • For conventional layer chickens, a quota and a licence
available from DFNB. (see Appendix C for contact details). are required from the Egg Farmers of New Brunswick.
• No licence is required to keep 199 birds or fewer at
Farmers can process their own milk into cheese, yogurt,
any time. You can produce eggs for your personal
and other dairy products; however, this requires a separate
consumption or to sell eggs directly to consumers.
dairy plant, which must be licensed and meet provincial
However, if the eggs are sold anywhere but directly to
regulations and food safety standards under the Public
the consumer, which includes farm market sales at the
Health Act. Should fluid milk be processed, an additional
farm, they must be inspected at a federally inspected
milk dealers licence must be obtained from the New
and registered egg-grading station. “Cracks”or”cracked
Brunswick Farm Products Commission.
eggs” cannot be sold directly to the public from the
farm gate. When selling eggs direct to the consumer
egg cartons that have grade labels cannot be reused.
• For conventional poultry, an all-weather, bio-secure
barn.
• For free-range poultry, a coop that provides protection
from the elements and protection from predators is
advised.
• A source of feed and water.
• A source of chicks or pullets.
• An identified egg grading station and or identified
markets.

10
All quota is held by the commercial egg producers located Turkey quota may be obtained through a private
throughout the province, with an average of 30,000 layers arrangement with a quota holder, subject to approval
per farm. by the Turkey Farmers of New Brunswick or through a
Egg quota may be obtained through a private arrangement provincial quota exchange when a producer decides to
with a current quota holder, subject to approval by the sell his or her quota. Occasionally, small amounts of quota
Egg Farmers of New Brunswick or through a provincial have been granted to new entrants through a lottery type
quota exchange when a producer decides to sell his or of selection.
her quota. Occasionally, small amounts of quota have
4.1.2.4 Other poultry
been granted to new entrants through a lottery type of
selection. There are no regulations or quota requirements governing
the production of other types of poultry, such as ducks,
4.1.2.2 Broilers geese and quail. In the case where these other poultry
What do you need to be a chicken producer in are raised for meat and for sale to the public, they must
New Brunswick? be killed and dressed at an inspected abattoir.
• For conventional broiler production, a quota and a
4.1.2.5 Hatchery
licence are required from the Chicken Farmers of New
Brunswick. There are two commercial hatchery operators in New
• No licence is required to raise 200 meat birds or fewer Brunswick. They supply egg producers and broiler
per year. producers. There is no quota required for hatcheries.
4.1.3 Beef
barn.
• For free-range poultry, a coop that provides protection What do you need to produce beef in New Brunswick?
advised.
• A source of chicks or pullets.
• An identified processor or identified markets.
Broiler quota may be obtained through a private
arrangement with a quota holder, subject to approval
by the Chicken Farmers of New Brunswick or through a
provincial quota exchange when a producer decides to
sell his or her quota. Occasionally, small amounts of quota
have been granted to new entrants through a lottery
type of selection.
• About one acre of pasture per cow.
4.1.2.3 Turkey • Fencing to keep animals contained.
• A way of storing forage for the winter.
What do you need to be a turkey producer in New Brunswick?
• A barn or shed to provide rudimentary shelter for the
• For conventional turkey production, a quota and a licence
animals during inclement weather.
are required from the Turkey Farmers of New Brunswick.
• Enough clean water for the animals’ size and life stage,
• No licence is required to raise 25 or fewer turkeys
and the season (larger cattle require more water than
per year.
smaller ones, lactating cows require more water than
non-lactating cows, and all cattle require more water
barn.
in hot weather than cold weather).
• For free-range poultry, a coop that provides protection
• A market for calves, finished cattle or beef.
advised. The price of finished beef cattle fluctuates on a regular
• A source of feed and water. basis. A number of producers have carved out niche
• A source of poults. markets, selling directly to restaurants and consumers.
• An identified processor or identified markets. The beef industry is not heavily regulated, and the initial

11
investment costs are relatively low in terms of infrastructure of Health. For details, contact your local agri-food
and equipment, especially if you are able to hire a custom inspector at the Department of Health.
machine operator to make your hay or silage for winter feed. • Adherence to the milk quality regulations. (Section
(For more information on the beef industry, contact the 8.1.2.1).
New Brunswick Cattle Producers, see Appendix C).
4.1.4 Swine
What do you need to be a swine farmer in New Brunswick?
• Pigs – your own breeding stock or a source of weaned
piglets.
• An all-weather barn large enough for the number of
pigs you have.
• A land base large enough to dispose of the manure
produced by the pigs in an environmentally responsible
manner that complies with New Brunswick’s
environmental regulations.
The sheep industry has experienced significant growth
Swine producers have access to several market in recent years as consumers rediscover a taste for lamb.
opportunities for their hogs, and should contact Porc Immigrants to New Brunswick have also begun to seek
NB Pork to discuss their options. Canada’s swine industry out lamb and mutton. New Brunswick has favourable
faced extreme difficulties and a significant decline in conditions for raising sheep, and the required investment
the number of producers during the past few years. A in infrastructure and equipment is relatively low.
number of swine farmers have developed niche markets
It is important to note that Sheep are vulnerable to
for their meat products, including sausage and bacon.
difficulties with parasites, disease and predators and good
Pork products must be processed in a licensed facility
planning and management to avoid these difficulties is
that meets provincial food safety regulations.
recommended.
Most pigs are shipped as weaners, with only a few farrow
Many sheep farmers sell lamb to slaughter plants in Nova
to finishing operations still operating in the province.
Scotia or directly to consumers at one of the province’s
4.1.5 Sheep many farmers’ markets. Sheep farmers have the option of
shearing their sheep or hiring a sheep shearer.
What do you need to be a sheep farmer in New Brunswick?
• Sheep – a breed specific for the production purpose. New Brunswick is fortunate to have a woolen mill in the
• About one-fifth of an acre of pasture per mature animal. Harvey Station area that buys local wool from producers.
• A way of storing forage and feed for the winter (one-half
ton of hay and 120 pounds of grain per ewe).
4.1.6 Goats
• A barn or shed to provide rudimentary shelter for the What do you need to be a goat farmer in New Brunswick?
animals during inclement weather (a draft-free barn is • Goats – a breed specific for the production purpose.
needed for winter lambing). • About one-fifth of an acre of pasture per mature goat.
• A means of providing the sheep with around eight litres • A way of storing forage for the winter.
of clean drinking water per sheep per day. • Fencing to keep animals from roaming.
• Fences to keep the sheep from roaming. • A barn or shed to provide shelter for the animals during
• Protection from predators; different livestock have been inclement weather.
used for predator control including guard dogs, llama • A means of providing the goats with around eight litres
and donkeys. of clean drinking water per goat per day.
• A market for lambs, mutton or breeding stock (rams • Predator control if goats are left outside in the summer
and ewes) and a market for wool. to graze.
• If sheep’s milk is processed into cheese or other dairy • A market for goat meat, goat milk and other dairy
products, you must obtain a licence from the Department products and/or goat fibre.

12
• If goats milk is processed into cheese you must pass a 4.2.1 Potatoes
Department of Health inspection, then obtain a licence
What do you need to be a potato farmer in New Brunswick?
from the Farm Products Commission.
• Availability of crop land, depending on types of potatoes
• Adherence to the milk quality regulations. (Section
grown (seed or table stock) and enough acreage for
8.1.2.1).
proper rotation.
• Labour available for planting, harvest and grading.
• Access to land preparation, seeding, pest control and
harvesting equipment.
• A market – Many growers have contracts with the
processors in New Brunswick. It cannot be assumed that
non-contracted potatoes will be purchased by them.
Goats are enjoyable animals, easy to handle and transport,

and relatively inexpensive to purchase, feed and house.
There are only one or two goat operations that could be
considered as commercial operations in the province.
Goat’s milk is not supply-managed, so it is less costly to
start a commercial goat dairy farm than a cow dairy farm.
Dairy goat production, especially pasture-based
production, offers the opportunity for sustainable diversity New Brunswick is a great place to grow potatoes and
on a small farm (Coffey et al., 2004). has the fourth largest acreage in Canada and is one of
the largest commodities in New Brunswick in terms of
4.2 Crops farmgate cash receipts. Our soils are ideally suited to
Important considerations growing potatoes. There are many things to consider before
Many farmers have added value to the crops they produce you begin growing potatoes such as the type of potatoes
to increase their returns from the marketplace. and the market. The three main potato markets are for:
It is important before investing in processing or packaging • Seed;
food products that the you consult with the Department • Table stock;
of Health. Various regulations and licences apply to certain • Processing.
products.
All three markets have different production requirements.
Similarly, selling products from the farm at farmers’ markets You must take time to learn about the three sectors before
may require certain permits or licences. A few moments starting to grow potatoes.
spent with the Department of Health may save hours of
Setting up a commercial potato business can be very
heartache later on, simply by understanding in advance
expensive. Specialized equipment for planting, hilling,
what is required.
spraying and harvesting as well as a warehouse for storage
The federal Canada Agricultural Products Act and New are required. Access to quality land is also essential and
Brunswick’s Natural Products Act have regulations dealing not available in all areas of New Brunswick. Using quality
with the sale of fresh fruit and vegetables. These regulations seed potatoes is of the utmost importance to ensure a
deal with grades, standards, labels and packaging quality crop and to meet regulatory requirements.
requirements both for intra- and inter-provincial trade.
Information about the federal regulations is at http://
laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/C.R.C.,_c._285/
and the provincial regulations: http://laws.gnb.ca/en/
BROWSECHAPTER?listregulations=N-1.2&letter=N#N-1.2.
13
• Sufficient employees for labour-intensive tasks (e.g.,
pruning and harvest).
• Market demand for your produce through a retail store,
U-Pick operation or a wholesale buyer to store and sell
your fruit.
The commercial tree fruit industry in New Brunswick is
concentrated in the central and southeast regions because
of more suitable climate and soils. Tree varieties, rootstocks
and growing systems (trellis versus free standing) must be
adapted to each site. Potential orchards or new orchard
sites must be thoroughly investigated prior to entering tree
fruit production. There is limited commercial production of
Potato plants are targeted by a number of serious pests
pears, peaches, cherries and plums due to winter hardiness
and diseases, so you must take care when growing the
and productivity issues, which is also true for many apple
crop to ensure that it remains healthy.
varieties.
At the Potato Development Centre, 39 Barker Lane in The primary tree fruit produced in New Brunswick is
Wicklow, NB, a team of sector specialists are available to apples, with annual production of approx. 200,000 bushels
provide expertise and training on soil fertility, pest and (3.8 million kgs).
disease management and rotational crops. Consultation
More than 30 apple varieties are grown commercially;
on the regulatory requirements as well as on the best
however the main varieties are Cortland, Honeycrisp,
management practices for potato production and potato
McIntosh and Paula Red. Growers are developing more
storage is also available.
value-added products for direct sale such as sweet and hard
Opportunities in the potato sector: cider, wines, pies and pastries. Agri-tourism adds value by
Although New Brunswick is the home of the “French Fry attracting more consumers direct to the farm.
Capital of the World” (Florenceville-Bristol), one struggles
to find new opportunities in this mature sector. It is highly
recommended that new entrants to farming secure sales
contracts for the potatoes produced on their farms; either
with the region’s potato processors or fresh packers. Since
these customers deal in large volumes, a first-time potato
producer may not have access to the required amounts of
land, machinery or storage, therefore, may want to focus
on the fresh local market (e.g., farmers’ markets).
Information and promotional materials are at
www.potatoesnb.com/
and at
www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/10/ The cost to establish a new, high-density orchard can
exceed $62,000 per ha ($25,000 per acre). per acre. Tree
agriculture/content/crops/potatoes.html
fruit production, as with many agriculture enterprises,
4.2.2 Tree fruit requires a high degree of skill and knowledge in technical
production and business management. Apples and tree
What do you need to be a tree fruit farmer in New Brunswick?
fruit are high-value commodities grown around the world
• An existing orchard or suitable soil of sufficient depth, in a very competitive marketplace. Producers must be able
drainage and location that lends itself to tree fruit to manage many factors well, including pest and disease
production. pressures, to ensure consistent yields of high-quality fruit
• Varieties that are suited to the local climate and are at a competitive price.
marketable.
• An understanding of soils, fertility, and plant health.

14
4.2.3 Small fruit
What do you need to grow small fruits in New Brunswick?
• The appropriate land for your crop.
• Specialized equipment.
• Planting stock (except for low bush blueberries).
• Labour available at harvest time.
• A market.
4.2.3.1 Blueberries
Low bush or wild blueberries are not planted; rather the
production of wild native plants is managed. Therefore,
if wild native plants are not already present, land cannot
be developed for wild blueberries. Blueberries (wild and Strawberries and raspberries are a very popular crop for
cultivated) require a low soil pH (4.0 - 5.5). U-Picks, especially near populated areas. These two crops,
together with vegetables, yield a high rate of return per acre
and are considered a good entry point for new entrants to
get into agriculture, with a minimum investment required.
4.2.3.3 Cranberries
Cranberries are mainly grown in highly-engineered beds
with ditches and dikes designed to control the water table.
Irrigation systems are used to meet the water needs of
the crop and for frost protection. Cranberry beds must
be located near significant amounts of sand. Cranberries,
as with wild blueberries, require a low soil pH (4.0 - 5.5).
Because there are limited direct markets for this crop,
The wild blueberry sector is among the top six commodities
growers are leaning toward higher acreages to achieve
in New Brunswick on a farmgate sales basis ($20.8 million
economy of scale. The cost to develop a cranberry
in 2018). The capacity to process wild blueberrries has
operation ranges between $40,000 and $50,000 per acre.
expanded substantially in New Brunswick recently. A
significant percentage of wild blueberries are grown on
Crown land leased to farmers, with additional land being
dedicated for more production.
Processing and handling of blueberries take place at
several facilities located around the province. Fresh and
value-added on farm account for about one and a half to
two percent of the wild blueberry production.
4.2.3.2 Strawberries and raspberries

Strawberries rank as the second most valuable small fruit
crop, next to blueberries, in terms of farm cash receipts.
They, like raspberries, require a higher pH soil (in the
range of 5.5 – 6.5) and need a well-drained soil with a high
sand content. They also need a certain amount of land
for rotation to prevent disease and insect accumulation
as well as a location that is accessible to markets. These
crops also require irrigation.

15
Before building a cranberry bed, you should consult with • it is easy to start small and gradually expand as a
the departments of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries customer base develops.
and Environment and Local Government because there are
additional requirements due to the nature and location
of cranberry beds.
4.2.3.4 Other small fruits

There is also some interest in the commercial production
and/or wild harvesting of berry species with high nutrient
content such as black currants, haskap and sea buckthorn.
Good agronomic data for growing these crops under our
conditions is limited as there has been little research on
these crops carried out locally.
Furthermore, unless you have a buyer who brokers your
fruit to reliable clients at a reasonable price, there will be 4.2.5 Grain and oilseed crops
a need to invest in educating potential clients about the
What do you need to be a grain farmer in New Brunswick?
value of these fruits and what can be done with them.
• Arable land with minimal production limitations due to
4.2.4 Vegetables drainage, slope, climate, pests and adverse soil properties
What do you need to be a vegetable farmer in such as pH and stones.
New Brunswick? • Access to land preparation, seeding, pest control,
harvesting and grain handling equipment, through
• Availability of well-drained and fertile crop land, with
ownership, rental or hire of custom operators.
the amount of land required dependent on the type
• A plan for producing and marketing grain crops.
of vegetable farming (e.g., a large-scale farm versus a
• Storage facilities for the grain, unless sold at time of
market garden).
harvest.
• Quality seeds or transplants.
• Labour available for planting, weeding and harvesting. Historically, grain was produced in New Brunswick for
• Access to land preparation, seeding, pest control, livestock feed, either for on-farm use and for sale to
harvesting equipment and possibly a transplanting other farms in Atlantic Canada. In recent years, grains
greenhouse. have been produced as cash crops for sale directly to
• Adequate storage. livestock farms or to livestock feed manufacturers who
• A market. ship throughout the Atlantic region. Grain and oilseed
• Access to irrigation. crops play an important role in farm profitability either
Despite a relatively short growing season, New Brunswick as a cash crop, through their role as a rotational crop or
is a great place to grow most vegetables. when used on-farm in livestock rations. The majority of
grains and oilseeds continue to be produced largely in
A number of vegetable farmers sell their production to rotation with potatoes as cash crops or for on-farm use
wholesalers, while most are small-scale farmers who tend by livestock operations. A small portion is used directly
relatively few acres and sell directly to consumers through for human consumption.
farmers’ markets, roadside stands and U-Picks, and through
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). Higher yielding crops such as corn or higher value crops
such as soybeans have been displacing the traditional
Vegetable farms are among the most diverse operations
cereal crops of barley, wheat and oats. Improvements
in the province:
in corn and soybean genetics continue to improve the
• the initial investment costs can be low (except for heated adaptability of these crops to grow in new areas of the
greenhouses and irrigation if needed); province. Available markets outside the province exist for
• there are no licences or regulations involved in soybean, canola, malt barley and milling oats; however,
production and marketing; distance to market eats into revenues. Adequate handling
• the potential revenue per acre can be relatively high and drying facilities exist in most areas of the province.
compared with other crops;
16
The availability of these facilities aids in crop harvest conduct thorough research on the production and
timeliness and reduces the amount of on-farm storage marketing of wine grapes before making any business
requirements. decisions.
When grown in rotation with potatoes, annual grains
provide for a break in disease and insect pest cycles as well
as aid in improving soil quality. Grains grown on potato
farms allow for the use of existing equipment and facilities
and reduce the investment that would be required in a
start-up grain operation.
Grain production often requires substantial investments in
land and equipment, but grain production can be started
with lower levels of capital if there is access to leased land
and custom operators.
New Brunswick’s diverse climate and soil types allow a wide Many of the wine producers in New Brunswick use other
range of grains and oilseeds to be grown. In addition to locally produced fruits to add to their line of products.
the major crops of barley, oats, wheat and corn, soybeans Some of the more popular non-grape wines include
and canola are now grown in significant quantities. Other blueberries, cranberries, pears, strawberries and apples
cereals and oilseeds that have been grown successfully as well as a combination of these. Many of these wines
on a small scale include winter rye, triticale, sunflower, have won prestigious awards.
flaxseed, rapeseed, camelina, lupins and field peas.
Certain conditions and licences are required to become
a wine producer. Minimum acreage is required, and a
licence must be obtained from NB Liquor before starting
to produce or sell wine, beer or cider containing alcohol.
It is advised to contact either the Department of
Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries or NB Liquor to
become informed about the various requirements for
operating in this sector. Table grapes also grow well under
New Brunswick conditions.
4.3 Specialty farm operations

4.3.1 Greenhouse/nursery
A wide array of products is produced in the greenhouse and
4.2.6 Grapes nursery sectors. Crops include vegetables, flowers, annuals,
What do you need to produce wine in New Brunswick? perennials, turf, shrubs and trees of many descriptions
• Deep, well-drained soil with a south-facing slope in a and varieties.
sheltered location. Many growers market their crops directly to the consumer
• Vines of grape cultivars that are in demand on the through retail garden centres. A few growers have
market and suited to your site and climate. developed extensive wholesale export markets to sell
• Vine trellises. products to other provinces and countries. Greenhouse
• A licensed wine making facility, either owned or contract plants are one of the top five agricultural commodities in
packed by an existing producer. New Brunswick in terms of farmgate sales. The export of
The wine industry has potential for future expansion plant products requires a thorough knowledge of trade
as New Brunswick vintners are earning a reputation for regulations and agencies (e.g., Canadian Food Inspection
winning national and international awards. Agency CFIA and Health Canada) to permit complex cross
border sales to happen efficiently.
Wine grape production is a highly specialized industry. It
is imperative that growers, unfamiliar with vineyards

17
Keeping honey bees in New Brunswick on a small-scale
or part-time basis is an excellent way to gain experience
and knowledge with a relatively small investment. Many of
today’s larger beekeepers started small and expanded over
time to a commercial scale. Many landowners are willing
to have beehives on their property. In New Brunswick,
beekeeping is a production and a service-based industry.
The beekeeping sector provides essential pollination
services to blueberries and other crops, accounting for
nearly two-thirds of the industry’s income. In 2018, about
10,000 colonies from New Brunswick were used for wild
blueberry pollination alone. An additional 17,695 colonies
were brought in from other provinces to meet demand.
Greenhouse and nursery crop production, like many
agriculture enterprises, requires a high degree of skill Continued development of the wild blueberry and
and knowledge in technical production and business cranberry industries in New Brunswick will create an
management. Energy costs are a major cost to consider even greater demand for colonies for pollination.
for growing crops through the winter. Greenhouse and
nursery plants are high-value commodities grown around
4.3.3 Christmas trees
the world in a very competitive marketplace. Producers Christmas tree production provides alternative or
must be able to manage many factors well to ensure additional opportunities for farmers to grow cash crops.
consistent yields of high-quality plants at a competitive It takes six to eight years to raise a tree to market size. The
price. strength of export sales to the United States depends
on the strength of the Canadian dollar and the number
4.3.2 Beekeeping
of trees available in any given year. There are also good
What do you need to keep honey bees in New Brunswick? opportunities for local sales for the farmer.
• Annual Registration of beekeeper and apiary. This is a
legal requirement under the Apiary Inspection Act.
does not have dedicated extension personnel to help with
• Colonies (a honey bee import permit issued by NBDAAF
this crop, but will arrange for consultation with personnel
is required if honey bee colonies, packages, nucleus
from neighbouring provinces or other producers.
colonies or queens are to be obtained from outside
the province within Canada). Honey bees from other 4.3.4 Fur (mink, fox)
countries are not imported directly into NB. Honey bees
What do you need to be a fur farmer in New Brunswick?
imported from approved countries require a federal
import to enter Canada.). • A site that meets the setback requirements in the
• Protective clothing. Livestock Operations Act.
• Access to land with unsprayed flowering plants suitable • Pens and cages built in accordance with the Code of
for bees. Practice for the Care and Handling of Mink and strict
• Market for honey and beeswax and/or a market for bee bio-security systems.
pollination services. • Disease free breeding stock.
• A source of reputable special mink feed and water.
• An arrangement with a pelting facility to process the
pelts and an arrangement with a fur auction house to
sell the pelts or a private contract with a pelt buyer.
Preventing and/or managing Aleutian Disease is vital for
mink production.

18
4.3.5 Maple syrup
New Brunswick ranks third in the world in maple syrup
production, behind Quebec and Vermont. It is an industry
which has seen substantial growth during the past decade
with significant opportunity for further growth. Much of
this growth has occurred on Crown land, which is leased
on a long-term basis from the Department of Energy and
Resource Development.

19
5. Resources available:
5.1 Agricultural Development 5.1.2 Livestock Incentive Loan Program

Board – loan programs Overview
The Agricultural Development Board offers a number of The department may guarantee loans to financial
financial programs to eligible candidates. A candidate must institutions for farmers purchasing and raising livestock.
meet certain eligibility requirements, submit a business
plan and have a certain level of equity. Each program Eligibility
listed below has different eligibility requirements. To • Both full-time and part-time farmers may apply;
learn more, visit • The business plan must show reasonable chances of
www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/10/ viability and must demonstrate that a demand exists
agriculture.html. for the product(s);
• The applicant must have acceptable agricultural
5.1.1 Agricultural direct loans knowledge and business skills as well as an acceptable
Overview credit history;
The Agricultural Development Board can provide financial • Acceptable security must be provided for the proposed
assistance, in the form of loans, to projects that are deemed financing; and
strategic to provincial agricultural strategies. These loans • The applicant must invest at least 10 per cent equity in
are designed to complement other sources of lending the project.
such as Farm Credit Canada and financial institutions.
5.1.3 Loan guarantees for agriculture
Eligibility Overview
• Project must be deemed strategic to provincial • The Agricultural Development Board can provide loan
agricultural strategies; guarantees to financial institutions, on a portion of a
• The business plan must show reasonable chances of line of credit, for working capital requirements. The
viability and must demonstrate that a demand exists guarantees are typically for up to a maximum of 80 per
for the product(s); cent of line of credit and usually for up to three years.
• The applicant must have acceptable agricultural Eligibility
knowledge and business skills as well as an acceptable
• The business plan must show reasonable chances of
credit history;
viability and must demonstrate that a demand exists
• The project must fit with the province’s sector strategies
for the product(s);
(in terms of impact on agricultural land, jobs, export
• The applicant must have acceptable agricultural
sales, markets, etc.);
• Acceptable security must be provided for the proposed
credit history;
financing; and
• The applicant must show an acceptable amount of
financing; and
equity in the business.
• The applicant must show an acceptable amount of
Description equity in the business.
• Direct loans are offered for projects that are considered Description
strategic to the industry, with the objective of • This program provides a guarantee, to financial
complementing other financial lenders. institutions, on a portion of a line of credit, for working
• Direct loans are amortized for up to 20 years at the capital requirements. The guarantee is typically for up to
provincial interest lending rate. 80 per cent of line of credit and usually for up to three
years.

20
• There is a loan guarantee fee of 1.5 per cent of the • The business plan must show reasonable chances of
amount guaranteed, paid at the beginning of each year. viability and must demonstrate that a demand exists
for the product(s);
5.1.4 New Entrant Farmer Loan Program • The applicant must have acceptable agricultural
Overview knowledge and business skills as well as an acceptable
The Agricultural Development Board can provide financial credit history;
assistance, in the form of loans, to persons entering into • Acceptable security must be provided for the proposed
the agriculture sector. The program is designed to assist financing; and
in the purchase of a farm and can complement other • The applicant must show an acceptable amount of
sources of lending such as Farm Credit Canada and other equity in the business.
financial institutions. Description
Eligibility • Land is purchased by the Agricultural Development
• The applicant must have an acceptable combination of 6 Board and then leased for six years;
years of post-secondary education and work experience • Financing of land up to 100 per cent of enhanced value;
on a farming operation; • Approved land development work can be part of the
• The applicant cannot own or have owned a farm, unless lease;
it was purchased within the last 12 months; • During years one and two, annual lease payments
• The business plan must show reasonable chances of are deferred (based on the equivalent of the annual
viability and must demonstrate that a demand exists provincial lending rate and the lease amount);
for the product(s); • Beginning in year three, annual lease payments are
• The applicant must have acceptable agricultural made at the beginning of each year; and,
knowledge and business skills as well as an acceptable • Client agrees to purchase the land from the Agricultural
credit history; and Development Board at the end of six years.
financing. 5.1.6 Perennial Crop Establishment
Loan Program
Description
Overview
• Loans of up to 100 per cent of the appraised value of
The Agricultural Development Board can provide financial
security, to a maximum amount of $750,000;
assistance, in the form of loans, to persons wishing to
• Amortized up to 20 years at provincial lending rate; and
establish a perennial crop.
• Payments:
–– During years one to four – interest only; Eligibility
–– Year five to end of loan – blended payments of interest • Perennial crop operations in New Brunswick;
and principal; • The business plan must show reasonable chances of
• During first four years of loan, the client may apply for viability and must demonstrate that a demand exists
additional loan for expansion or improvement (not for the product(s);
exceeding the maximum amount of $750,000). • The applicant must have acceptable agricultural
5.1.5 New Land Lease Purchase Program credit history;
Overview • Acceptable security must be provided for the proposed
The Agricultural Development Board can purchase eligible financing; and
land and lease it to an applicant for up to six years. The • The applicant must show an acceptable amount of
applicant agrees to purchase the land at the end of the equity in the business.
lease. Description
Eligibility • Finances perennial crops up to 75 per cent of the
• The proposed land has not had any agricultural crop enhanced value;
produced or harvested during the previous two years, • Amortized up to 10 years at the provincial lending rate;
excluding unimproved forage land. • No payments during the first five years of the loan;
• Interest is charged and capitalized annually;

21
• Interest on the outstanding balance is paid annually If you are a qualified producer younger than 40 years
starting in year six; and of age, the Young Farmer Loan can help you take the
• Loan balance paid at end of term. next step in your agriculture career.
For more information:
https://www.fcc-fac.ca/en/in-your-community/
5.2 Government financial supporting-young-farmers.html.
assistance programs • The New Brunswick Small Business Investor Tax Credit
There are numerous financial assistance programs offered www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/finance/
by the Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and taxes/credit.html;
Fisheries. Some are joint federal/provincial programs, • Grants/assistance offered by both levels of government
some are federal programs administered by the province – examples include:
and some are provincial initiatives only. a. Canada Summer Jobs – Service Canada (federal
government);
For more information about Department of Agriculture,
b. Work Ability Program – Department of Post-
Aquaculture and Fisheries financial assistance programs:
For all the program details, contact information, eligibility and Secondary Education, Training and Labour –
funding details and application forms, visit: (Government of New Brunswick);
www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/10/agriculture.html. c. Workforce Expansion Program – Department of
Under Industry Programs, select Agriculture to find links to all Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour.
programs. With a click on any program, you will find all pertinent
information.
5.4 Other Department of
Additional resources may be available for new entrants Agriculture, Aquaculture
under some of the programs administered by the and Fisheries services
Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries. and publications
There are many services and publications provided by the
These programs are subject to change depending on Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries.
federal-provincial agreements and changes to annual These include:
budgets.
• Free consultations with extension specialists;
• A wide range of technical bulletins online and in the
5.3 Other potential staff offices;
financial resources • Annual reports of the Department of Agriculture,
Many businesses fail, especially in the first five years of Aquaculture and Fisheries;
operation, due to being under-capitalized or not having • Agricultural statistics and more;
enough financial resources. It is essential that financial • Veterinarian and veterinarian lab services provided for
forecasts be made as realistic as possible. It is highly a fee; and
recommended to seek out professionals to help with this. • Ag Pal. This program facilitates finding provincial and
federal agricultural programs.
Other potential financial resources include:
• Commercial banks;
For more information about services and publications:
• Opportunities New Brunswick www.onbcanada.ca/; http://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/10/services.html
• Agriculture Development Loan Programs administered (all the programs are also listed at this site).
by the Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and
Fisheries (Section 5.1): www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/ For a list of all publications available:
departments/10/agriculture.html; www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/10/agriculture/
• Canadian Agriculture Loan Act, www.agr.gc.ca/ content/publications.html.
eng/?id=1288035482429;
• Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency;
• Export Development Canada;
• Farm Credit Canada www.fcc-fac.ca/en.html; Farm Credit
Canada Young Farmer Loan
22
5.5 Department of Agriculture,
Aquaculture and Fisheries
veterinary services
New Brunswick, through the Department of Agriculture,
Aquaculture and Fisheries, is one of the few remaining
provinces that offer veterinary services to agricultural
producers. These services can be broken down into field
services, clinic services and veterinary laboratory services.
The department has field veterinarians throughout the
province, an equine specialist, a poultry specialist and
two lab pathologists. Field Veterinary Services provides
on farm and emergency call services for the livestock
sector 24 hours a day, seven days a week for a fee that
the producer pays. Veterinarian services are offered at
a published discount rate for all agricultural producers
regardless of location. Horse owners are also serviced by
New Brunswick veterinarians, but pay higher levels than
food animal or fur bearing producers.
These services can be obtained from the regional
department offices located in Moncton, Fredericton,
Sussex, Grand Falls, Bathurst and Wicklow. (see Appendix B
for contact information).

23
6. Registrations
There are a number of steps and options in registering your NOTE: Farm registration does not follow the government
farm as a business at the provincial and federal level. The financial year (April-March). It runs from November 1
major ones are as follows: through October 31. First-time farmers can register before
or after they have begun to earn income from their farm,
Provincial:
(if prior to commencing farming, a business plan needs to
• The Registered Professional Agricultural Producer
be presented to the RPAP registrar). For more information,
(RPAP), which identifies the business as a bona fide
contact the Registrar of Farms at 506-444-2848.
farm, entitles the farm to certain financial discounts and
allows membership into a general farm organization.
6.2 Obtaining your Fuel
• Registration of a business, unless it is a sole proprietorship.
This is required of all businesses and links the business
Tax Exemption Card
to other programs. While applying for your RPAP card, you may also request
your Farmer Purchaser’s Permit, which allows you to buy
Federal: tax free diesel fuel at the point of purchase. You must
• A Business Number. pay the fuel tax on gasoline at the point of purchase. An
As required, including payroll deduction payments, application to have this fuel tax refunded is possible if the
Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) refunds, etc. gas was used on the farm or if gas or diesel was used in
farm-plated vehicles used for farm production.
6.1 Registered Professional
New Brunswick fuel tax laws administered by the
Agricultural Producer (RPAP)
Department of Finance allow for all farm production
Producers can apply for a RPAP card at Service New activities to be eligible for the exemption. This includes the
Brunswick outlets anywhere in New Brunswick or online. fuel used in farm-plated vehicles if the activity is production
Participation in this program is strictly voluntary, but related. Activities related to the delivery or the marketing
participation provides access to the Fuel Tax Exemption of agricultural products are not eligible for a refund.
Program and the purchase of farm vehicle licence plates
The following link gives you the fuel tax refund application:
commonly referred to as farm plates for farm vehicles. (see
https://www.pxw1.snb.ca/snb7001/e/1000/CSS-FOL-GMF-
Section 6.5 for more details).
37E.pdf
For more information, visit www.pxw1.snb.ca/snb7001/
e/1000/1001e.asp. 6.3 Registering your business
The Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Businesses required to register:
administers the Agricultural Producers Registration and Not all businesses are required to register in New Brunswick.
Farm Organizations Funding Act which also provides stable A sole proprietorship business is not required to register,
funding for general farm organizations (GFO) in New but partnerships and corporations are required to do so.
Brunswick. This funding allows organizations to provide Before registering for a business number there are some
services to their members. The RPAP registration fee is important decisions that you need to make about the
based on the farm business annual gross income for the business:
year immediately preceding. The farmer designates to • name of the business;
which GFO he or she wishes to belong. • location of the business;
Currently there are two GFOs in New Brunswick, the • legal structure of the business (sole proprietorship,
Agricultural Alliance of New Brunswick and the National partnership or corporation);
Farmers Union in New Brunswick. Contact information is • fiscal year-end for the business; and
found in Appendix C. For more details, visit: www2.gnb. • estimated sales for the business.
ca/content/gnb/en/services/services_renderer.200592. To learn more about the various options of the type of
Farm_Business_Registry.html.
24
business structure to choose, and locations of the Service 6.5 Income tax
New Brunswick offices, visit
In Canada and New Brunswick, all individuals and
https://www.pxw1.snb.ca/snb7001/e/2000/2500e_5.asp.
businesses earning income are required to pay and file
income tax returns on an annual basis. As a farmer, there
Registering the business name:
may be some special tax considerations. It is important
If you choose to operate a business under a specific
for new entrants to get advice from a professional, who
business name, it is recommended that you register the
can advise on tax matters.
name in order to protect that name for your use only.
To learn more about registering a business name, visit
the following link: www.pxw2.snb.ca/brs/docroot/start/ 6.6 Farm vehicle licence plates
landingPage.jsp. Farm plates, sometimes referred to as F plates, may be
purchased at any Service New Brunswick outlet. All you
Registering the business:
need to qualify is a valid RPAP card.
Forms and information to help with this can be obtained
at any Service New Brunswick outlet or visit www.pxw1. Farm plates cost about one-half of commercial vehicle
snb.ca/snb7001/e/1000/1001e.asp. plates; however the registration of a farm plate must be
for a full year, while commercial plates can be purchased
by the month.
6.4 Federal Business Number
Farmers may haul their own products to and from market
All businesses are required by the Federal Government
and also haul farm products for other farms. However,
to register and obtain a Business Number (BN) regardless
a farm-plated vehicle may not be used for commercial
of the legal structure or ownership of the business. It is
transportation.
also important to note that if a business obtains a BN for a
sole proprietorship this BN cannot be transferred should
the legal structure change (i.e., becomes a partnership or
corporation). A new BN will have to be applied for.
Once registered, a business can access whatever programs
are required. Typical programs that are used by the farming
community include:
• HST – which allows a business to apply for a refund on
all HST paid;
• Payroll deduction remittance; and
• Excise tax.
The following link will assist in obtaining a BN:
www.canadabusiness.ca/eng/page/2730/sgc-13/.
For more information on business registration, contact
the Canada Revenue Agency at 1-800-670-4357 (toll-free)
or visit www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/bsnss/tpcs/gst-tps/rgstrng/
menu-eng.html.

25
7. Typical licences and
permits required
7.1 Dairy Farm Milk 7.4 Beekeepers Registrations

Producer’s Licence Keeping one colony or more of honey bees requires an
A producer licence must be obtained from the New annual Certificate of Registration to Keep Bees obtained
Brunswick Farm Products Commission. An application for from the Provincial Apiarist of New Brunswick by May 31
a licence must be completed and sent to the commission. of each year.
Plans for the facility must be then sent to the appropriate For details, visit www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/services/
provincial health inspector. When the plans are approved, services_renderer.7175.Beekeeper_Registration.html.
the Department of Health will inspect the farm to confirm
that the farm meets the regulatory requirements. Also, It is important to note that inter-provincial movement of
honey bees or the importation of bees also require import
the Dairy Farmers of New Brunswick (DFNB) requires the
permits. Be sure to contact the Provincial Apiarist for the
bulk tank be calibrated by an approved calibrator. DFNB
latest requirements.
will inspect the driveway to ensure that trucks can make
it in and out of the farm. Once the farm is approved, the
commission will issue the licence. 7.5 Building-related permits
Once a producer is licensed, he or she must maintain the 7.5.1 Development and
premises and sanitation requirements as well as meet the building permits
raw milk quality standards as laid out in the milk quality The building, locating, relocating, demolishing, altering or
regulations. Inspections by the Department of Health take replacing of a building or structure in an unincorporated
place annually or as required should issues arise. Failure area requires a development and building permit available
to meet requirements may result in monetary penalties at your local regional service commission.
or suspension/revocation of a licence.
Municipalities also require building permits for the same
This licence from the commission is not to be confused activities. Contact your local municipality for details as to
with the requirement of the dairy farmer to also possess where to apply.
a quota or permission to purchase quota, which is a
requirement by DFNB. 7.5.2 Electrical permits – Department
of Justice and Public Safety
7.2 Pesticide Applicator Licence Electrical wiring permits authorize contractors to carry
out electrical installations.
To buy or apply non-domestic agricultural pesticides in New
Brunswick, you need a Pesticide Applicator Certificate from New Brunswick-licensed electrical contractors and sign
the Department of Environment and Local Government. installer contractors are required to obtain a wiring permit
for electrical construction involving more than 10 outlets
For details, visit www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/services/
or five kw of load.
services_renderer.2915.Pesticide_Applicator_Certificate.
html. A plan review is required for electrical installations in
excess of 400 amps at 120/240 volts, 200 amps at 120/208
7.3 Fuel storage tanks volts, 100 amps at 347/600 volts and for any installations
on the farm having a voltage exceeding 600 volts.
A licence is required to store 2,000 litres or more of Permits must be obtained before construction begins
petroleum products. (see Section 8.2.1.3 for more details). and before a utility power connection is made. Working
without a permit will result in a special inspection fee in
26
addition to the cost of the permit. There are some permit Licensed installers may proceed with the installation,
exemptions for owners of establishments where their construction, repair and/or replacement of an on-site
operation requires frequent alterations performed by sewage disposal system only when the application has
permanently employed electricians. been assessed and approved by a Public Health Inspector.
Once the on-site sewage disposal system has been installed
7.5.3 Plumbing permits – Department
of Justice and Public Safety it must also be available for inspection and approval by a
Public Health inspector prior to covering. On-site sewage
Plumbing permits are required for the construction
disposal systems that have not been installed according
of all plumbing systems and must be obtained before
to the approved application or those that fail to meet
construction begins.
the requirements of the regulation must be corrected or
Plumbing permits are issued to New Brunswick-licensed modified and are subject to re-inspection.
plumbing contractors or to homeowners performing
work on their own premises (provincial permits only, 7.6 Other licences
homeowner permits are not available within the municipal Additional licences may be required under the various,
jurisdictions of Fredericton, Moncton and Saint John). regulations and policies listed below.
Homeowners will be required to prove their competence
Depending on the commodity other specific licences may
in the plumbing trade.
be required. For example:
Provincial inspections are carried out on an audit basis
• Honey Bee Import Permit – from the Department of
according to risk priority. Specific requests for inspections
Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries.
are subject to availability and may be subject to special
• Game Farm Licence – from the Department of Energy
inspection fees. The cities of Fredericton, Moncton and
and Resource Development.
Saint John issue plumbing permits to cover work in their
• Meat Slaughtering and Processing Licence – from the
jurisdictions and carry out their own inspections.
Department of Health.
Plumbing plan approvals are required for plumbing • Cheese producers licence – from the Department of
installations having more than 30 fixtures. A plumbing Health.
permit must be purchased by a plumbing contractor before
starting the installation, extension, alteration, renewal or
repair of a plumbing system.
7.5.4 Septic system permits

Properties that do not have access to municipal wastewater
services require an on-site sewage disposal system to help
protect water resources from becoming contaminated and
to avoid creating public health hazards. A conventional
on-site sewage disposal system typically consists of a
septic tank and a subsurface disposal field.
Property owners who need to install, construct, repair
and/or replace an on-site sewage disposal system must
obtain an approval by having a licensed installer submit
an application to the local Health Protection Branch
of the Department of Health. Public Health inspectors
will then assess these applications to ensure they are in
accordance with the On-site Sewage Disposal System
Regulation and New Brunswick Technical Guidelines
for On-site Sewage Disposal Systems. The design and
location of the system and the property’s soil conditions
are evaluated to determine if sewage can be effectively
treated to limit the spread of communicable diseases.

27
8. Acts, regulations
and policies
There are three levels of government that may have • a site development plan in relation to a proposed
jurisdiction over the specific commodity you wish to livestock site;
produce – federal, provincial and local government. • a description of the manure system for the proposed
livestock operation;
The following are the main acts, regulations and policies
• a manure nutrient management plan for the proposed
which may affect you as an agricultural producer in New
livestock operation, signed by an agrologist registered
Brunswick. Once you know the specific location and the
under the Agrologists’ Profession Act;
commodity you have chosen, it is recommended that
• a copy of any watercourse alteration permit that is
you contact your local regional service commission and
required with respect to the operation under the
your local Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and
Watercourse and Wetland Alteration regulation under
Fisheries representative to make sure you are aware of
the Clean Water Act; and
all regulatory requirements.
• such other information the registrar may require in
Many of the applications you may need are at relation to the application.
www.pxw1.snb.ca/snb7001/e/1000/1001e.asp.
Description
The guiding principles of the Livestock Operations Act
8.1 Department of Agriculture, include:
Aquaculture and Fisheries • responsible manure management that recycles manure
The acts and regulations administered by the department as a valuable soil nutrient for crop production;
are at • reduced conflicts with neighbours by means of minimum
http://laws.gnb.ca/en/deplinks?subjectnumber=24. separation distances between livestock facilities on
licensed farms, and nearby dwellings and land uses;
8.1.1 Livestock Operations Act • proper siting, design and construction of manure storage
Overview and handling facilities; and
The Livestock Operations Act requires new and some • reducing the risk of contamination of water and soil
expanding livestock operations, as well as operations resources by setting attainable controls on manure
repopulating after vacancies of two years or more, to application.
become licenced to ensure that these are properly The Livestock Operations Act is administered by the
sited, that the manure facility is properly designed and Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries.
constructed, and that the manure is managed in an The registrar issues licences on behalf of the Minister.
agronomic and environmentally sound manner. Licences contain terms and conditions relative to siting,
minimizing environmental degradation and manure
Who requires a licence?
handling and utilization. The conditions are enforceable.
Any livestock operation with 20 animals or more, regardless
of age, size, species or breed and any operation with 200 8.1.2 Natural Products Act
or more poultry. Horses, llama, alpaca, ducks and geese
The New Brunswick Farm Products Commission supervises
are exempt.
the activities of commodity boards and agencies formed
under the Natural Products Act to ensure they operate in the
Requirements
manner consistent with the purpose and intent of the act.
A person who applies for a livestock operation licence
shall provide the registrar with: Some of the activities of the commission include:
• a completed application; • conducts appeal hearings;

28
• administers the conciliation-arbitration process Taxes are deferred for eligible farmland and farm building
respecting contracts for potatoes used for processing; owners for up to 15 years, beyond which point the oldest
• negotiates and serves as a signatory to federal-provincial year gets dropped when a new year is added so that there
agreements for supply managed commodities; are never more than 15 years of deferred taxes.
• licenses those involved in the dairy products trade; Associated interest costs are calculated on the deferred
• sets the price for fluid milk products sold in the province; taxes, but the associated interest costs never exceed 50
and per cent of the total deferred taxes.
• carries out food inspection as it relates to product quality
It is recommended that before registering land or buildings
and standards.
in FLIP, you discuss the long-term implications with the
The following link will provide all of the details of the registrar of FLIP and your financial institution.
Farm Products Commission and the regulations for
It is further recommended that, before purchasing
which it is responsible:
farmland, you find out if it is registered under FLIP. If it is
www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/10/
and you plan to keep the land in FLIP, it is recommended
agriculture/content/commission/farm_products_
you contact the FLIP registrar so you are fully aware of
commission.html.
the tax deferrals and associated interest costs for which
8.1.2.1 Milk quality regulations you may be liable.
These regulations are administered by the New Brunswick Once a property is enrolled in FLIP, there are three options
Farm Products Commission under the Natural Products Act. to withdraw from FLIP:
Option 1:
These regulations apply to any milk produced on the farm.
Voluntary
They lay out the standards and requirements for buildings
1. Requesting withdrawal from FLIP and paying off all
and equipment used in the production of milk and outline
deferred taxes and associated interest; or
the standards required for milk quality.
2. Selling your farmland and buildings to another party,
To view the regulations, visit http://laws.gnb.ca/en/ who assumes the deferred taxes and associated
ShowPdf/cr/2010-19.pdf. interest as a contingent liability.
8.1.2.2 Organic Grade Regulation
Option 2:
In 2014, the provincal government implemented the Changing status
Organic Grade Regulation. This regulation ensures that all This happens if:
products labelled, advertised or marketed as organic that 1. The farmland reverts to forest land; or
are produced, processed and sold within New Brunswick
3. The farmland is intentionally reforested; or
have been certified organic in accordance with the
Federal Organic Products Regulations and the Canadian 4. The buildings are deemed to be no longer fit for
Organic Standards. The Organic Grade Regulation is at agricultural use due to lack of maintenance.
http://laws.gnb.ca/en/ShowTdm/cr/2014-50/. • It is important to note that changing status must be
agreed to and approved by the FLIP registrar. If changing
Frequently asked questions about the regulation can be
status is approved, it takes 15 years for the farm to be
accessed at: FAQ: New Brunswick Organic Grade Regulation:
removed from FLIP.
www2.gnb.ca/content/dam/gnb/Departments/10/pdf/
• If a property is placed into changing status, the owner
Agriculture/FAQ_OrganicGradeRegulation_March2014.pdf.
will start paying regular property taxes on a yearly basis
8.1.3 Farm Land Identification Program and by the end of the 15 years, all deferred taxes and
associated interest will be written off. Under changing
The Farm Land Identification Program (FLIP) allows owners
status, no deferred taxes or associated interest costs are
of farmland and farm buildings that are used for farming, or
payable by the land owner, unless there is a cause of
are available and capable of use for farming to be eligible
de-registration, at which time the remaining deferred
for provincial property tax deferrals.
taxes and associated interest costs are payable.

29
Option 3: 8.1.6 Diseases of Animals Act
De-registration
The Diseases of Animals Act applies to named livestock
This happens:
species (cattle, goats, horses, sheep and swine). This act
• If the property owner changed the use of the property and regulations give the minister the ability to appoint
so that it was ineligible to remain registered in FLIP, the veterinarians as inspectors for the purpose of investigating
registrar would deregister the property and the owner a disease outbreak. The minister has the authority to
would repay all deferred tax and associated interest investigate, suppress or limit the spread of a disease
to a maximum of 15 years. outbreak.
It is strongly recommended that property owners contact
the registrar well in advance of any changes in the use of 8.1.7 Potato Disease Eradication Act
the property registered in FLIP, to determine any potential The Potato Disease Eradication Act was implemented to
tax consequences of such changes. help protect the potato industry from diseases which
For more details, visit the Questions & Answers section could have a significant negative impact on the health
on the FLIP application form at www2.gnb.ca/content/ of New Brunswick’s potato crop. The act and associated
dam/gnb/Departments/10/pdf/Services/Agriculture/ regulations provide for the authority for such items as,
How-to%20flip%20%20application-e.pdf. prescribing prohibitive diseases, determining the minimum
seed potato classification permitted for planting in New
8.1.4 Agricultural Operations Brunswick, requiring mandatory post-harvest testing for
Practices Act Potato Virus Y (PVY), determining the level of PVY permitted
This act has often been referred to as the “Right to Farm” to be planted, and requirements for cull pile disposal.
legislation. It basically establishes a level of protection Before considering being a potato farmer it is recommended
for the farmer against nuisance complaints and lawsuits to contact the Potato Development Centre (see Appendix C)
provided the farmer was following an “acceptable farm about obligations associated with the act.
practice.”
8.1.8 Poultry Health Protection
This act has raised the awareness of the public and
Act and regulations
local governments that acceptable farm practices will
be upheld by the provincial government. However, the This act authorizes the Department of Agriculture,
complainant still retains the right for private legal action Aquaculture, and Fisheries to monitor and react accordingly
should mediation under the act fail to resolve the conflict. to any Named Diseases listed that may be of significant
concern to the poultry sector within New Brunswick.
8.1.5 Apiary Inspection Act One of the primary poultry diseases listed is Infectious
Overview Laryngotracheitis. There are special requirements in place
The department registers every New Brunswick beekeeper for poultry show birds that generally parallel the other
each year under the Apiary Inspection Act. Atlantic provinces.
The act and regulations authorize the minister and any
Eligibility corresponding designated Department of Agriculture,
Every person (or group) in New Brunswick who owns the Aquaculture and Fisheries inspectors to enter any poultry
honey bee, Apis mellifera Linnaeus, or has these bees in premise to investigate, and to quarantine any flock
their possession. suspected to have a Named Disease. Control measures
may range from implementing strict biosecurity measures
Description to depopulation.
Every New Brunswick beekeeper legally is required to
complete an “Application to Keep Bees” form and send it to 8.1.9 Abattoir waste and carcass
the Provincial Apiarist at the department by May 31 of each disposal guidelines
year. The Provincial Apiarist then completes the “Certificate These guidelines were established by a government/
of Registration and Receipt to Keep Bees” form, assigns a industry committee, including the departments of Health,
registration number, and sends it to the beekeeper. This Environment and Local Government and Agriculture,
certificate is valid until May 31 of the following year. There Aquaculture and Fisheries. They establish standards under
is no fee for the application and registration. which abattoir waste and livestock and poultry carcasses
can be safely composted or buried on-site.
30
The disposal of cattle comes under stricter standards 8.2.1.3 Petroleum Product Storage
than other livestock due to the Bovine Spongiform and Handling Regulation
Encephalopathy issue and the mandated methods of This regulates the installation, alteration, modification,
disposing of Specified Risk Material by the Canadian Food (including capacity changes), reactivation, excavation,
Inspection Agency (CFIA). These guidelines are at http:// disassembly, destruction or the disposal of petroleum
www2.gnb.ca/content/dam/gnb/Departments/10/pdf/ product storage system with a capacity of 2,000 litres
Agriculture/AbattoirWasteCarcassDisposalGuidelines.pdf. or more. This involves the issuance of approvals and the
licensing of systems. It also details the requirements
8.2 Department of Environment for reporting a leak or a suspected leak from a system.
and Local Government For more information, visit www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/
For complete details on the acts and regulations listed en/departments/elg/environment/content/land_waste/
in this section, visit www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/ content/reference_manual/petroleum_storagetanks.html.
departments/elg.html. Regulations under this act, listed below, may apply to
some farm operations.
8.2.1 Clean Environment Act
There are several regulations under this act, listed below, 8.2.1.4 Water Well Regulation
that may apply to farm operations. This regulation relates to construction and location of
either a drilled well or a dug well and imposes conditions
8.2.1.1 Water Quality Regulation on persons (including companies) engaged in well-drilling.
This regulates the release of contaminants to the
environment. Activities such as manure storage,
8.2.1.5 Watercourse and Wetland
Alteration Regulation
composting and run-off from animal-holding facilities
(barns) may require an Approval to Operate depending This regulates “alterations” to a “watercourse” or “wetland”
on the activity and the environmental impacts associated as defined in the Clean Water Act. It also provides for the
with the activity. issuance of permits to undertake certain alterations and
identifies certain activities exempt from the permitting
8.2.1.2 Environmental Impact process.
Assessment Regulation (EIA)
In addition, the Watershed Protected Area Designation
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulation Order and the Wellfield Protected Area Designation Order
includes a schedule of undertakings that may require may apply to agricultural activities within the protected
registration. areas B and C identified in those orders or regulations.
The following is a list that provides some activities that
8.2.2 Clean Air Act
would likely require an EIA to be conducted prior to the
commencement of the planned activity: Regulations of this act, listed below, may apply to some
farms and their operations.
• programs or commercial ventures involving the
introduction into New Brunswick of plant or animal 8.2.2.1 Air Quality Regulation
species which are not indigenous to the province;
This regulates the release of contaminants into the air as
• waste disposal facilities; all sewage disposal or sewage
defined in the act. Some agricultural activities may require
treatment facilities, other than domestic, on-site facilities;
an Approval to Operate.
and
• all enterprises, activities, large volumes of water use (in 8.2.3 Pesticides Control Act
excess of 50 cubic metres of 11,000 imperial gallons per
The act and the general regulation under the act, regulate
day), projects structures, works or programs affecting any
the use, storage, transportation, handling, application,
unique, rare or endangered feature of the environment
sale, supply and disposal of a pesticide product. It also
or affecting two hectares or more of bog, marsh, swamp
regulates the issuance of various licences, permits and
or other wetland.
certificates.

31
To learn more about this act or how to obtain a licence, Tractors, in general, do not require a licence plate unless
or how to transfer a valid pesticide applicators licence the purpose of the tractor is not for farming but for contract
issued by another province, contact the Department of work for others or is regularly operated on public roads.
Environment and Local Government at 506-453-7945 or Check with your insurance company if your tractor will
506-444-5361 or by email at Pesticides@gnb.ca. need a plate or not to be covered for liability insurance.
Farm implements do not require licence plates for travel
8.2.4 Unsightly Premises Act
on highways, provided they are pulled by a tractor or a
The act regulates the duty of the owner or occupier farm-plated vehicle.
of a “premise” (as defined) not to permit it to become
unsightly by the accumulation of any ashes, rubbish,
refuse, residue of production or construction, bodies or
8.4 Department of Health
parts of automobiles or other vehicles or machinery or a
8.4.1 Medicare
tumbledown building; or permit a building or structure New Brunswick, as with the rest of Canada, offers universal
owned or occupied to become a hazard to the safety of health care. It is not mandatory, but is available to all who
the public by reason of the dilapidation or unsoundness move to New Brunswick from the first day they move here.
of its structural strength. The exception is temporary foreign workers who have
contracts to work in New Brunswick for less than a year.
8.2.5 Cemetery Companies Act
Applications for a Medicare number can be made at your
A company or church group may apply for a cemetery
local Service New Brunswick centre or visit www.pxw1.
under this act. Percolation tests may be required, and a
snb.ca/snb7001/e/1000/1001e.asp.
permanent right of way access to the cemetery will be
required. Proof of financial strength to maintain a cemetery 8.4.2 Public Health Act
may also be a requirement, as the provincial government This act covers all food handling and processing and is
has an obligation to maintain cemeteries, should the spelled out in various regulations listed below. Many of the
cemetery owner/custodian cease to exist. value-added types of operations that farmers engage in fall
under the Food Premises Regulation of the Public Health
8.2.6 The Beneficial Use of Industrial
By-Products as Soil amendments Act. Slaughtering of animals, including poultry, processing
of dairy products including cheese making, the making of
Guidelines were established in 2014. These allow greater jams and jellies and other similar activities are regulated
flexibility in using industrial byproducts, which have value under this act, which may be viewed at http://www2.
as a soil amendment. Such products include wood ash, gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/services/services_renderer.2997.
spent lime from pulp mills and other similar by-products. Food_Premises_Licence.html.
The departments of Environment and Local Government
8.4.2.1 Food premises regulations
and Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries can advise on
the range of products available and potential new sources. These regulations cover abattoirs, dairy processing, selling
some products at a roadside stand or at farmers’ markets
and most value added products such as jams, jellies, pickles,
8.3 Department of Justice candy and more. Visit the Department of Health at www2.
and Public Safety gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/services/services_renderer.2997.
8.3.1 Motor Vehicle Act Food_Premises_Licence.html.
This act governs the licensing of all motor vehicles used
A brief description from the regulations will show the
on the highway.
various classes of food premises, what licences are required
In New Brunswick, farm plates for farm-related trucks under and products that are exempt.
can be purchased through any Service New Brunswick
Food premises licences are divided into three classes. The
outlet, provided the farmer is a Registered Professional
type of class is determined by the types of food prepared
Agricultural Producer (RPAP). (Details about the eligibility
and sold, and the way foods are handled. Each of these
and how to become a RPAP card holder are covered under
premises must be licensed to operate in New Brunswick
the Section 6, Registrations).
and is subject to inspection by Public Health or agri-food
inspectors.
32
Licence classes are described as follows: • Also exempt from the Food Premises Regulation are:
–– Bed and Breakfast operations that serve breakfast;
Class 3: Premises where potentially hazardous food is
–– Produce stands selling whole, uncut fresh fruits and
stored, handled, displayed, distributed, sold or offered for
sale without processing or preparation on the premises. vegetables.
Examples include high-acid vegetables, and meat and You may obtain a copy of the Application for Food Premises
dairy products that need proper refrigeration. Licence at any Service New Brunswick office; or visit
www.snb.ca. Submit the completed application and all
Class 4: Premises where food is prepared or processed applicable attachments with the appropriate fee to your
without any killing, pasteurizing, or, if meat or fish, without nearest office.
thermal processing, for sale or consumption on or off the
premises, but is not distributed wholesale. For more information, visit www.snb.ca; or
Class 5: Premises where food is processed for direct sale Call Service New Brunswick TeleService, 1-800-762-8600
or wholesale distribution or where food is prepared for (toll-free).
wholesale distribution, and includes an abattoir. This also
8.4.2.2 Abattoir Regulation
includes maple syrup producers. Producers of raw milk
cheese are also licensed as a Class 5 premise. All abattoirs in New Brunswick must be licensed and
inspected by the Department of Health. No meat or
Class 5 premises are further divided into three additional
poultry meat products may be sold or offered for sale
categories and different fees apply to each. They are:
unless it has been slaughtered in an abattoir licensed
• regular; by the minister or in a federally registered abattoir. Only
• abattoirs; meat processed by a federally inspection plant may be
• dairy plant. sold outside the province.
Exempt from licensing
8.4.2.3 Dairy Plant and Transportation
• Public market food premises that prepare or process of Milk Regulation
non-potentially hazardous foods in a private residence
for sale only at a public market do not require a food This regulation deals with the processing of dairy products
premises licence. and pasteurization requirements.
• A public market is defined as a venue where a group of
8.4.2.4 Farmers’ markets
vendors set up on a regular basis in a common location
to sell food products, and includes a farmers’ market For entry into a market, the first point of contact is the
and a flea market. market operator. Most markets have an application that
• Examples of non-potentially hazardous foods include: can be completed. The market operator can then guide
–– Honey; the vendor in whatever direction is needed next. For the
–– Jams and jellies; most part, anyone selling food needs to complete an
–– Breads and rolls; Information Form that is then submitted to the Health
–– Pastries – cakes, muffins, cookies, fruit pies and tarts, Protection Branch in the NB Department of Health. The
but excluding cream-filled pastries and pies and Health Protection Branch will determine if a licence is
meat-filled pies; needed and a letter of approval can be written for the
–– Hard candy and fudge; market they wish to attend.
–– Pickles and relish, • The following foods are not permitted by market
–– Maple products; licensees:
–– Apple sauce; –– Unpasteurized milk and milk products – all dairy
–– Any other foods a Public Health inspector deems to products must be from a licenced or registered
be non-potentially hazardous; and establishment (except for raw milk cheese that is
–– Selling eggs direct to the consumer or at a farmer’s from a licensed source);
market which are not from a CFIA-registered –– Low acid canned/bottled food prepared in a private
establishment are also exempt from licensing at residence or an unlicensed facility;
this time. –– Bottled meat, canned fish, smoked fish, shellfish and
seafood products not produced in a licensed facility;

33
–– Meat and poultry or meat and poultry products from 8.5 Department of
animals that have not been slaughtered at a licensed Post-Secondary Education
or registered establishment ; and
Training and Labour
–– Wild mushrooms.
8.5.1 Employment Standards Act
For more details about selling food at farmers’ markets,
It is important as a new potential employer in New
visit www2.gnb.ca/content/dam/gnb/Departments/h-s/
Brunswick to understand your responsibilities under
pdf/en/HealthyEnvironments/Food/
this act, together with certain exemptions that apply to
NBMarketGuidelines_E.pdf.
agricultural operations. Check with Service New Brunswick
for the latest information about minimum wages.

34
New Brunswick employment standards and regulations:
Quick reference chart as of April 2018
Minimum wage
$11.50 per hour as of April 1, 2019
Overtime hours Hours in excess of 44 hours per week. It cannot be averaged over two weeks.
Overtime pay At least 1.5 times the minimum wage.
Can overtime pay be banked No
Call-in pay Employees whose regular rate of pay is less than two times the minimum wage and who are regularly
scheduled to work more than three hours, are entitled to the greater of the following:
a) three hours pay at minimum wage; or
b) the employee’s regular rate of pay for the hours actually worked.
Pay intervals Must be paid at least every 16 days and must include all overtime earned during that period.
Public holidays • New Year’s Day
• Family Day
• Good Friday
• Canada Day
• New Brunswick Day
• Labour Day
• Remembrance Day
• Christmas Day
Holiday Pay Eligibility Must have been employed 90 calendar days in the 12 calendar months before the statutory holiday.
Holiday pay a) If eligible for holiday pay and does not work, the holiday pay shall be equal to the average number of
non-overtime hours worked per day during the previous 30 days, times the normal rate/ hour.
b) If eligible for holiday pay but also works on the holiday, the rate of pay shall be 1.5 times the normal
rate of pay times the number of hours worked, plus the statutory pay expected under (a) above.
Vacation time In the first eight years of employment, an employee is entitled to a vacation of the lesser of:
a) two weeks of vacation per vacation year; or
b) one day for each month worked.
Vacation pay Once an employee is continuously employed eight years or more, the vacation entitlement increases to
the lesser of three weeks of vacation per vacation year or 1.25 days for each calendar month worked, and
vacation pay also increases to six per cent of wages.
Agricultural worker exemptions and definitions

An agricultural employer is exempt 1) The employee(s) are doing work related to the production of food.
from the Employment Standards Act, 2) The employee(s) work for more than six months of the year.
ONLY IF ALL of the following four 3) The employer has three or fewer employees, not counting persons who are in a close family
conditions apply. Otherwise they relationship with the employer.
apply to agricultural operations. 4) The act’s provisions on the employment of children under the age of sixteen apply, regardless of any
other criteria. This includes hours of work, restricted industries, and Director’s exemptions.
Definitions:
Close family members Includes married persons or persons in similar intimate relationship, parents, children, siblings,
grandparents, grandchildren and in-laws. Cousins are not included.
A substantial period of the year more than six months.
(section 5 of the act)

35
8.5.2 Acts administrated by WorkSafeNB 8.6 Department of Education
Three acts, the Worker’s Compensation Act, the Occupational and Early Childhood
Health and Safety Act and the Work Place Health, Safety and Development
Compensation Commission and Workers’ Compensation 8.6.1 Education Act
Appeals Tribunal Act, are administered by the Crown
Education of children up to the age of 18 is the responsibility
corporation WorkSafeNB.
of the provincial government. The government allows
A document specific for farmers is the Farm Safety Guide. parents to home school their children or send them to
This excellent resource is at www.worksafenb.ca/docs/ a private school.
farm_safety_guide_workbook_e.pdf.
Private schools may be set up in New Brunswick. The need
to incorporate depends on whether tuition is charged.
For complete details, contact the Department of Education
and Early Childhood Development.

36
9. Other useful information
9.1 Heat units and 9.4 Agro-environmental clubs

precipitation data Agro-environmental clubs stimulate environmental
Charts have been developed over the years that give a leadership, innovation and sharing of knowledge
general idea of available heat units in different parts of the and experience for the advancement of a sustainable
province. For example, only certain parts of the province agricultural industry in New Brunswick. Currently (2019)
are warm enough to grow corn and soybeans. This chart there are six clubs throughout the province. The New
is a guide to help determine what can be grown where. Brunswick Soil and Crop Improvement Association
It is available at any local Department of Agriculture, (NBSCIA) administers the agro-environmental clubs in
Aquaculture and Fisheries office or visit http://www2.gnb. the following regions: Northeast (Bathurst and Miramichi),
ca/content/dam/gnb/Departments/10/pdf/Agriculture/ Moncton/Chignecto (Sackville), Kings County, Central
FieldCrops-GrandesCultures/CornGuide2018GuideduMais. (Fredericton), Carleton County, and North-West. For more
pdf. information, contact the NBSCIA by telephone at 506-454-
1736 or by email at gm@nbscia.ca.
Environment Canada has precipitation data for about 20
regions in New Brunswick. Visit the following link and
choose the region of your choice: climate.weather.gc.ca/
9.5 Manure management
climate_normals/index_e.html. Manure can be treated as a valuable fertilizer or a waste
problem. How it is treated can often make the difference
9.2 Crop guides between profitability or no profitability. The Department
This provides useful information on forages, cereal crops of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries encourages all
and more that can be grown in New Brunswick with livestock producers to treat this material as a valuable
expected yields and certain soil requirements. These resource on the farm. Even if a nutrient management plan
guides are also available through the local Department is not a requirement for your farm, it should be considered
of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries office. as part of an overall management plan.
https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/10/
agriculture/content/crops.html
9.6 On-farm composting
9.3 The Environmental Farm Plan An effective way of preserving the nutrients contained in
manure, spoiled hay, silage or straw, is by composting it.
The Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) is a tool within the
Properly composted organic materials generated on the
agricultural community that promotes environmentally
farm can be a tremendous source of fertilizer and, if there is
responsible and economically viable farming by
surplus, a source of revenue. Much has been written on this
encouraging the adoption of beneficial management
subject and the Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture
practices. It is a voluntary, confidential and pro-active
and Fisheries has an informational bulletin on this topic
tool that can help agricultural producers to assess the
that we encourage you to review. It can be found under
environmental strengths and potential environmental
the department’s publication site. (see Section 5.4).
risks related to their farm operations. In New Brunswick,
the EFP is delivered by the Agricultural Alliance of New On-farm composting does not require a permit if used
Brunswick and funded under the Canada-New Brunswick on the farm, but permits are required if compost is sold.
Canadian Agricultural Partnership agreement.
For more information on the Environmental Farm Plan, 9.7 Clearing land for farming
please contact the Agricultural Alliance of New Brunswick There are no restrictions to clearing farmland in New
at 506-452-8101 or visit the environment section at www. Brunswick. However, if clearing near a water source, a
fermeNBfarm.ca. stream or wetland, you must consult with Department of

37
Environment and Local Government as there are setbacks To burn small amounts of brush and woody material
and other conditions required. (see Section 8.2.1.5). (Category1) fires, you must call the Department of Energy
and Resource Development, 1-866-458-8080 (toll-free) or
506-444-5445 (in the Fredericton area) 24 hours a day,
9.8 Crossing streams seven days a week. Information will be updated daily
Permits are required by the Department of Environment during the fire season. You must have the landowner’s
and Local Government to install a culvert or bridge over permission before igniting a fire on private land. There will
a stream. be three levels of permission based on the weather and
It is also considered a best management practice to prevent fire conditions in your area: (1) burn, (2) burning permitted
access to streams by livestock. There are some programs between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. and (3) no burning allowed.
designed to help fund fencing to keep livestock from Residents and non-residents must acquire a burning
streams. Contact your local Department of Agriculture, permit during the fire season.
Aquaculture and Fisheries representative for details.
Cities and towns have their own bylaws. Some villages also
have bylaws that restrict burning. It is your responsibility
9.9 Wildlife damage; mitigation to find out if your village has its own bylaw. If it does not,
and compensation your area is governed by the provincial guideline.
The Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Certain material – such as pressure treated wood – must
has two programs to help with losses from wildlife. not be burned.
The first is mitigation. The Department of Agriculture, NOTE: If burning without permission results in damage to
Aquaculture and Fisheries administers programs under the Crown land or other properties, you may be liable.
Canada-New Brunswick Canadian agricultural Partnership
For more information about burning, permits required
agreement that can provide partial funding for a large
and your responsibilities, visit
range of preventive measures from fencing to sheep dogs.
www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/services/services_
Use of the mitigation program is required to qualify for
renderer.200891.Burning_Permits_(Fire_Season).html.
compensation (see below).
The second is a form of compensation administered by the 9.11 Road signage
Agricultural Insurance Commission. If you are planning to
Before spending money on road signs for the farm, consult
invest in a commodity that has potential for crop damage
with the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure
or loss of livestock due to wildlife, we suggest you first
to determine if you are eligible to place road signage.
contact your local Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture
There are certain requirements as to size and location
and Fisheries representative or the commodity specialist
that must be met. Provincial signage “tabs” can also be
for details.
installed along highways for agri-tourism operations,
wineries and farm markets.
9.10 Burning permits The following links may be helpful to determine eligibility
Traditionally, blueberry operators burn old growth. and obtain contact information.
Other producers burn brush when clearing land. In New
• Department of Transportation and Infrastructure/
Brunswick, there are specific periods when burning may
Department of of Tourism, Heritage and Culture,
be done and others when it is strictly prohibited.
Highway Advertisements Information Kit 3:
Following is a summary of the rules about burning in http://www2.gnb.ca/content/dam/gnb/Departments/
New Brunswick. Fire season usually runs from the third thc-tpc/pdf/TIF-IIT/InformationKit3.pdf.
Monday in April until the end of October.
For legislation and regulations governing signs:
• Office of the Attorney General, Highway Act:
http://laws.gnb.ca/en/ShowTdm/cr/97-143//.

38
Appendix A
New Brunswick statistical review by commodity
Farmgate sales
Commodity Production Unit ($ thousands)
2017 2018 2017 2018
Potatoes 20,922 21,044 hectares 159,910 176,197
Dairy 154,447 158,681 kilolitres 111,098 111,260
metric tonnes
Chicken 45,000 45,000 72,400 77,218
(eviscerated)
Greenhouse products 153,491 142,782 square metres 40,584 43,880
Cattle and calves 68,700 71,500 head 38,610 38,389
Eggs 19,419,000 19,691,000 dozens 24,803 26,520
Blueberries 15,882 15,448 hectares 14,099 20,832
Christmas trees .. .. hectares 10,536 14,681
Maple products 551,000 361,000 Gallons 21,992 13,688
Hogs 31,200 27,400 head 11,773 11,938
Corn for grain 6,500 6,100 hectares 8,621 11,312
metric tonnes
Turkey 3,365 3,671 7,686 8,654
(eviscerated)
Field vegetables .. 608 hectares 8,354 8,533
Cranberries 355 373 hectares 4,628 8,266
Hay 66,400 64,200 hectares 7,803 6,915
Soybeans 8,500 5,700 hectares 6,994 6,496
Forest products .. .. hectares 3,596 3,942
Oats 10,500 8,900 hectares 3,344 3,156
Wheat 2,800 4,500 hectares 2,003 2,561
Barley 5,700 4,500 hectares 3,090 2,441
Fur 9,920 8,700 head 1,605 2,370
Strawberries 136 136 hectares 2,219 1,927
Honey 201 469 pounds 579 1,016
Lambs 3,600 3,100 head 784 757
Sheep 3,500 3,800 head 39 40
Canola .. 400 hectares 745 39
Apples 224 217 hectares 3,229 x
• Farm cash receipts represent revenues from the sale of • Turkey receipts for New Brunswick were suppressed by
agricultural commodities. All inter-farm sales within New Statistics Canada due to confidentiality requirements. As a
Brunswick are excluded from farm cash receipts to avoid result, receipts for 2017 and 2018 are estimates calculated by
double counting, however, farm-to-farm sales between Turkey Farmers of Canada
provinces are included as are all sales outside the sector. • .. implies data are unavailable.
• Chicken receipts for New Brunswick were suppressed by • x implies data are suppressed.
Statistics Canada due to confidentiality requirements. As a • Sources: Statistics Canada, Turkey Farmers of Canada,
result, receipts for 2017 and 2018 are estimates based on Chicken Farmers of New Brunswick, New Brunswick
allocation. Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries.

39
Appendix B:
Agriculture lands
Restigouche • • Shippagan
Caraquet
Bathurst •
Madawaska Tracadie •
Gloucester
Victoria
• Grand Falls Northumberland
Carleton
Kent
• Wicklow Bouctouche •
York
Sunbury
Queens
•
Moncton
Westmorland
Fredericton • Albert
• Sussex
Kings
Charlotte Saint John

Legend
• St. George
• Offices
Major Highways
Agricultural Land
Esri, Garmin, GEBCO, NOAA NGDC, and other contributors
City Address Phone Number Services

Bathurst 1425 King Ave 506 547-2088 Agriculture & Veterinarian services
Shippagan 100 Aquarium St. 506 336-3124 Aquaculture
Caraquet 22 St-Pierre Blvd 506 726-2400 Commercial Fisheries
Tracadie 3518-1 Principal St. 506 394-4128 Agriculture
Bouctouche 26 Acadie St. 506 743-7222 Agriculture, Aquaculture & Fisheries
Moncton 381 Killam Dr. 506 856-2277 Agriculture & Veterinarian services
Sussex 701 Main St. 506 432-2001 Agriculture & Veterinarian services
St. George 107 Mount Pleasant Rd 506 755-4000 Aquaculture & Fisheries
Fredericton 1350 Regent St. 506 453-2666 Agriculture & Veterinarian services
Wicklow 39 Baker Lane 506 392-5101 Agriculture & Veterinarian services
St-André 824 Route 108 506 473-7755 Agriculture & Veterinarian services

40
Appendix C:
Industry contact information
General farm organizations (GFOs)
Agri-Management Services National Farmers Union
2-150 Woodside Lane 2717 Wentz Ave.
Fredericton, NB E3C 2R9 Saskatoon, SK S7K 4B6
Telephone: 306-652-9465
Telephone: 506-206-2608
Email: nfu@nfu.ca
Website: www.ams-sag.ca
New Brunswick Soil and Crop Improvement
Agricultural Alliance of New Brunswick Association
2-150 Woodside Lane 150 Woodside Lane, Unit 2
Fredericton, NB E3C 2R9 Fredericton, NB E3C 2R9
Josée Albert, executive director Telephone: 506-454-1736
Telephone: 506-452-8101 Email: gm@nbscia.ca
Email: alliance@fermenbfarm.ca
Website: www.fermeNBfarm.ca Agricultural Alliance of New Brunswick
466 Queen St., Wilmot Alley
National Farmers Union in New Brunswick Fredericton, NB E3B 1B6
648 Smythe St. Telephone: 506-452-8101
Fredericton, NB E3B 3G1 Email: alliance@fermenbfarms.ca
Telephone: 506-260-0087
Email: nfu.nb.office@gmail.com New Brunswick Institute of Agrologists
Website: www.nfunb.org PO Box 3479
Fredericton, NB E3H 5H2
Other farm organizations Telephone: 506-459-5536
Atlantic Canada Organic Regional Network Website: www.ianbia.com
PO Box 6343
Sackville, NB E4L 1G6 Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada
Telephone: 506-536-2867, 1-866-32ACORN (toll-free) Dalhousie University, Faculty of Agriculture
Fax: 506-536-0221 PO Box 550
Email: admin@acornorganics.org Truro, NS B2N 5E3
Website: www.acornorganic.org Telephone: 902-893-7256
Email: oacc@dal.ca
Canadian Federation of Agriculture
21 Florence St. Really Local Harvest
Ottawa, ON K2P 0W6 232 Gauvin Rd.
Telephone: 613-236-3633 Dieppe, NB E1A 1M1
Telephone: 506-854-8557
Email: info@canadian-farmer.ca
Fax: 506-854-5119
Website: www.cfa-fca.ca
Email: info@recoltedecheznous.com
Canadian Organic Growers
7519-1145 Carling Ave.
Commodity organizations
Ottawa, ON K1Z 7K4 Apple Growers of New Brunswick
Telephone: 613-216-0741 2-150 Woodside Lane,
Fredericton, NB E3C 2R9
CCNB-INNOV Grandfalls Telephone: 506-440-5257
c/o Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick Email: nbapples@applesnb.ca
Linda Blanchard, executive director
160, Réservoir Rd,
Grand Falls, NB, E3Y 3W3
Telephone: 506-475-4020
41
Atlantic Grains Council New Brunswick Maple Syrup Association
381 Killam Dr. 250 Sheriff Street,
Moncton, NB E1C 3T1 Grand Falls, NB E3Z 3A2.
Heather Russell, project officer Telephone: (506) 473-2271
Telephone: 506-381-5404 Executive Director: Louise Poitras
Email: agc@bellaliant.com Email: aanb.nbmsa@gmail.com
Bleuets NB Blueberries New Brunswick Fur Farmers Association

525 Glengarry Place 23 Highland Dr.
Fredericton, NB E3B 5Z8 Salisbury, NB E4J 2G7
Telephone: (506) 450-8681 Telephone: 506-277-6570
Email: bnbb@nbwildblue.ca Email: flemmingluke@gmail.com
Canneberges NB Cranberries New Brunswick Goat Breeders Association

6 Station Road 182 Academy St.
Dorchester, NB E4K 3A1 Hillsborough, NB E4H 2R9
Gerald Richard, president Arnie Steeves, secretary-treasurer,
Telephone: 506-524-8447 Telephone: 506-734-2704
Email: sccran@aernet.ca Email: arnsfarm@nb.sympatico.ca
Chicken Farmers of New Brunswick New Brunswick Grape Growers Association

277 Main St., Suite 103 12 Gondola Point Rd.
Fredericton, NB E3A 1E1 Rothesay, NB E2E 5J7
Louis Martin, secretary-manager Tony Rickett, president
Telephone: 506-452-8085 Telephone: 506-855-2076
Email: joe20596@gmail.com
Dairy Farmers of New Brunswick
PO Box 5034
New Brunswick Sheep Breeders’ Association
Sussex, NB E4E 5L2
932, Route 945
Steve Michaud, general manager
Cormier-Village, NB E4P 5Y9
Telephone: 506-432-4330
Jocelyn McGraw, secretary-treasurer
Website: www.nbmilk.org
Telephone: 506-532-5689
Email: jjmcgraw@nbnet.ca
Landscape New Brunswick Horticultural
Trades Association
PO Box 742 Porc NB Pork
Saint John, NB E2L 4B3 2-150 Woodside Lane
Jim Landry, executive director Fredericton, NB E3C 2R9
Telephone: 1-866-752-6862 (toll-free) Telephone: 506-458-8051
https://www.porcnbpork.nb.ca/
New Brunswick Cattle Producers
2 – 150 Woodside Lane Potatoes NB
Fredericton, NB E3C 2R9 PO Box 7878
Telephone: 506-458-8534 150 Woodside Lane,
Website: www.bovinsnbcattle.ca Fredericton, NB E3C 2R9
Matt Hemphill, executive director
New Brunswick Beekeepers Association Telephone: 506-473-3036
5215 Route 115 Email: gfpotato@potatoesnb.com
McKees Mills, NB E4V 2T6
Calvin Hicks, president Turkey Farmers of New Brunswick
Telephone: 902-940-1196 277 Main St., Suite 103
Website: www.nbba.ca Fredericton, NB E3A 1E1
Louis Martin, secretary-manager
New Brunswick Egg Producers Telephone: 506-452-8085
275 Main St., Suite 101
Fredericton, NB E3A 1E1
April Sexsmith, secretary-manager
Telephone: 506-458-8885

42
Forest products marketing boards and woodlot owner associations
New Brunswick Federation of Woodlot Owners Inc. South Eastern New Brunswick Forest Products
680 Strickland Ln, Marketing Board
Fredericton, NB E3C 0B5 PO Box 5074
Telephone: 506-459-2990 Shediac NB E4P 8T8
Website: https://nbwoodlotowners.ca Street address: 3384, Route 132, Scoudouc, NB
Telephone: 506-532-1150
York Sunbury Charlotte Forest Products Marketing Website: www.senb.ca
Board
1350 Regent St. Southern New Brunswick Wood Coop Ltd.
Strickland Building #2 PO Box 4473
Fredericton, NB E3C 2G6 Sussex, NB E4E 5L6
Telephone: 506-444-6644 Telephone: 506-433-9860, 1-888-762-1555 (toll-free)
Email: ysc@nbnet.nb.ca Fax: 506-433-3623
Website: https://www.yscnb.ca/ Email: snb@nb.aibn.com
Website: www.snbwc.ca
Carleton-Victoria Wood Producers Association
151 Perkins Way
Florenceville-Bristol, NB E7L 3P6
Telephone: 506-392-5584 or 506-392-6997
Fax: 506-392-8290
Email: info@cvwpa.ca
Website: www.cvwpa.ca
Madawaska Forest Products Marketing Board

870 Canada Rd.
Edmundston, NB E3V 3X3
Telephone: 506-739-9585
Fax: 506-739-0859
Email: odvdm@nbnet.nb.ca
North Shore Forest Products Marketing Board

2807 Miramichi Ave.
PO Box 386
Bathurst, NB E2A 3Z3
Telephone: 506-548-8958
Email: nsfpmb@nb.aibn.com
Website: www.forestrysyndicate.com
Northumberland Forest Products Marketing Board

PO Box 494
101 McMurdo St.
Miramichi, NB E1V 3M3
Telephone: 506-622-7733
Fax: 506-622-6317
Email: woodlot@nbnet.nb.ca

43
Appendix D:
Farm-related publications Other resources
• Atlantic Farm Focus, a monthly farm newspaper National commodity organizations
that reports on issues of relevance to farmers in the • Alpaca Associations in Canada
Atlantic provinces. Websites: www.alpacainfo.ca/ and
Telephone: 1-800-717-4442 ext. 2525 (toll-free) www.alpaca.ca/
Website: http://www.atlanticfarmer.com/
• Beef Cattle Research Council
• Rural Delivery, a farm and country journal published Website: www.beefresearch.ca
10 times a year. The same publisher produces Atlantic
Beef, Atlantic Forest and Atlantic Horse and Pony. • Canada Grains Council
Telephone: 902-354-5411 Website: www.canadagrainscouncil.ca/
Website: http://www.atlanticfarmer.com/ • Canadian Association of Professional Apiculturists
• Small Farm Canada, a magazine that promotes Website: www.capabees.com
small-scale farming as a legitimate and viable • Canadian Cattlemen’s Association
endeavour. It is published six times a year. Website: www.cattle.ca
Telephone: 1-866-260-7985 (toll-free)
Website: www.smallfarmcanada.ca • Canadian Co-operative Wool Growers Ltd.
Website: www.wool.ca/
• Many of the provincial and national commodity
associations produce newsletters or magazines • Canadian Forage Beef Industry
that they send to their members. Some of these Website: www.foragebeef.ca
publications are free of charge to everyone, some
• Canadian Honey Council
are free to paid members, and some require a paid
Website: www.honeycouncil.ca
subscription. Contact the individual commodity
associations for more information. (see Appendix C • Canadian Horticultural Council
for contact details). Website: www.hortcouncil.ca
• La Terre de chez-nous • Canadian Pork Council

Website: www.laterre.ca/ Website: www.cpc-ccp.com/
• Agri-réseau • Canadian Poultry and Egg Processors Council

Website: www.agrireseau.qc.ca/ Website: www.cpepc.ca
• CRAAQ (Le Centre de référence en agriculture et • Canadian Poultry Research Council

agroalimentaire) Website: http://cp-rc.ca/
Website: www.craaq.qc.ca/
• Canadian Sheep Breeders’ Association
• Real Agriculture Website: www.sheepbreeders.ca
Website: www.realagriculture.com/
• Chicken Farmers of Canada
Website: www.chicken.ca
• Dairy Farmers of Canada

Website: www.dairyfarmers.ca
• Egg Farmers of Canada

Website: www.eggs.ca
• Turkey Farmers of Canada

Website: www.turkeyfarmersofcanada.ca
44
Other related organizations Financial assistance and business
development programs
• Conservation Council of New Brunswick
Website: www.conservationcouncil.ca/ • Opportunities New Brunswick
Website: www.onbcanada.ca/
• The Canadian Livestock Records Corporation
Website: www.clrc.ca/index2010.shtml • New Brunswick Department of Agriculture,
Aquaculture and Fisheries
• The National Farm Animal Care Council Website: www.gnb.ca/agriculture
Website: www.nfacc.ca/
• Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
• The Maritime Beef Test Station Website: www.agr.gc.ca/
Website: http://maritimebeefteststation.ca/
• Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
• Dalhousie Faculty of Agriculture LEADATLANTIC Website: www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca/Pages/welcome-
Leadership Training bienvenue.aspx
Website: https://www.dal.ca/faculty/agriculture/
extended-learning/leadatlantic.html • Export Development Canada
Website: www.edc.ca/Pages/default.aspx
Resources and regulatory information
• Farm Credit Canada
• Setting up a business in New Brunswick
Website: www.fcc-fac.ca/
Website: http://www.welcomenb.ca/content/
wel-bien/en/StartBuyABusiness/content/ Regional agri-food research
SettingUpABusiness.html and development facilities
• Opportunities New Brunswick • Potato Research Centre of Agriculture and Agri-
Website: www.onbcanada.ca/ Food Canada
Website: www.agr.gc.ca/eng/science-and-
• New Brunswick Department of Agriculture, innovation/research-centres/atlantic-provinces/
Aquaculture and Fisheries fredericton-research-and-development-
Website: www.gnb.ca/agriculture centre/?id=1180622499704
• New Brunswick Department of Energy and • Prince Edward Island Food Technology Centre
Resource Development Website: www.biofoodtech.ca/index.
Website: http://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/ php?number=1039041
departments/erd.html
• Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University
• New Brunswick Department of Environment and Website: www.dal.ca/faculty/agriculture.html
Local Government
Website: www.gnb.ca/environment • Research and Productivity Council
Website: www.rpc.ca
• New Brunswick Department of Health
Website: www.gnb.ca/health • Université de Moncton
Website: www.umoncton.ca/
• New Brunswick Department of Transportation
and Infrastructure • Guelph Food Technology Centre
Website: www.gnb.ca/transportation Website: www.gftc.ca/
• Canada Revenue Agency

Other
Website: www.cra-arc.gc.ca/ • New Brunswick Department of Post-Secondary
Education, Training and Labour (Population
• Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Growth Division)
Website: www.inspection.gc.ca/
Website: www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/
• Environment Canada departments/post-secondary_education_training_
Website: www.ec.gc.ca/ and_labour/People/content/PopulationGrowth.html

45
• Sectors in review/other publications
Website: www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/
departments/10/publications.html

46
Appendix E
Foreign workers resources

Hire a temporary worker through the Seasonal Canada-New Brunswick Immigration Agreement
Agricultural Worker Program https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social- citizenship/corporate/mandate/policies-operational-
development/services/foreign-workers/agricultural/ instructions-agreements/agreements/federal-provincial-
seasonal-agricultural.html territorial/new-brunswick/canada-new-brunswick-
immigration-agreement.html
Find out if you need a Labour Market Impact
Assessment (LMIA) and how to hire a temporary Canada-New Brunswick Agreement on the Atlantic
foreign worker Immigration Pilot Program
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/immigration- https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-
citizenship/search.html?_charset_=utf-8&q=Agricultur citizenship/corporate/mandate/policies-operational-
al+Seasonal+Worker&wb-srch-sub instructions-agreements/agreements/federal-provincial-
territorial/new-brunswick/canada-new-brunswick-
Hire a temporary foreign agricultural worker
agreement-atlantic-immigration-pilot-program.html
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-
development/services/foreign-workers/agricultural.html Immigration and Settlement in New Brunswick,
Canada
Work permits
https://www.welcomenb.ca/content/wel-bien/en.html
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/immigration-
citizenship/search.html?_charset_=utf-8&q=Agricultur
al+Seasonal+Worker&wb-srch-sub=

47

FarmingInNewBrunswick RoadMapForNewEntrants

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

FarmingInNewBrunswick RoadMapForNewEntrants

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

FarmingInNewBrunswick RoadMapForNewEntrants

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Farming in New Brunswick…

A Road Map for New Entrants