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Agriculture began in the early 1600's by a colonization of French settlers. They grew rye, flax, barley, hemp and corn. Although the First Nations had been planting small seed potatoes for many years before, this was the first organized form of agriculture. Although agriculture was not predominant among the 73 settlers, in 1689 they increased their livestock to 188 horned cattle, 157 sheep and 85 dogs. They planted their crops on 130 acres of land and in 1690 they added tobacco to their increasing list of crops. In 1755, the French lost their colonial power and turned to the sea to make their living because they had lost all ties with new farming techniques. Fertile land also became scarce as the population began to rise. In the late 1700's to the 1850's New Brunswick imported all their crops. This became very costly and in 1850 the Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick invited the British scientist and agricultural specialist, Professor James F.W. Johnston to examine New Brunswick's agricultural potential. Johnston was entirely optimistic about New Brunswick's capabilities to grow and sustain an agricultural industry. In 1888, the old and outdated Provincial Board of Agricultural was abolished and replaced by the new Department of Agriculture. By the 1900's, New Brunswick had found a profitable market in England and began to export local cheese and butter. In that same year the average yeild of wheat exceded that of both Ontario and Manitoba. In 1912, the Farm Settlement Board was created to buy abandoned farms and attract new settlers to live on them. In 1929, New Brunswick produced potatoes worth over $8.2 million. In 1932, over 4,000 families were given farms to encourage growth in the agriculture industry. In the 1950's farmers began to favour the use of the tractor over the horse. Pork prices became low, but beef was at an all-time high.The province's potato crops have always been New Brunswick's most important agricultural product. Agriculture had had a shakey start but was now thriving in New Brunswick.
Together, the income from potato and dairy production accounts 45% of New Brunswick's farm income. Seed potatoes, blueberries, and other small fruit, vegetables, and livestock are exported to the U.S. and other countries around the world. Seed potatoes are New Brunswick's most important crop and produces 20% of Canada's total production. The potatoes are first grown in New Brunswick and then shipped to farmers in the USA. New Brunswick's 3200 farms directly employ about 5,000 people, but the activity they generate in processing, transportation and service industries accounts for 10,000 additional jobs.
Dulse is a seaweed that is harvested off the coast, especially in the town of Dark Harbour on Grand Manan. The salty weed is dried in the sun and eaten as a snack, like potato chips.
The Canadian Adaptation and Rural Development (CARD) in New Brunswick has funded more than $2 million committed to 245 projects (from environmental farm planning to on-farm food safety) and expects to invest another $2.6 million over the next two years. Since 1995, CARD has been dedicated to providing Canada's agri-food industry with the tools it requires to the changing buisness environment. CARD is a federal program that insures that Canada's rural communities continue to prosper. Click here to view full article. Please note that you must click the "back" button on your browser to return to this site. Enjoy! |
Two of New Brunswick's delicacies are provided by Agriculture. They are: Fiddlehead Ferns and Dried Seaweed. The ferns grow along the province's streams. Gathered in the spring, they are boiled and served with lemon and butter.