Media Clipping — Saturday August.16th, 2008, Toronto Star

Tough times for Maritimes farmers
Also printed in The Sudbury Star

Farm incomes in Nova Scotia and P.E.I. have hit rock bottom, according to a report released yesterday that shows farmers are sinking further into debt every year.

The study by GPI Atlantic, a non-profit research group in Nova Scotia, states that farmers in both provinces are now earning less than at any time in the last four decades.

"When we examined this issue for Nova Scotia farms in 2001, the situation was bad," said Jennifer Scott, the study's author. "Now, seven years later, it is worse -- much worse."

The findings indicate rural communities are at risk because prices paid to producers are not keeping pace with farm expenses.

Net farm incomes had dropped by more than 90% in Nova Scotia and 92% on the Island since 1971. Total farm debt increased by 146% in Nova Scotia, and by 445% in P.E.I. between 1971 and 2006.

Greg Webster, a farmer in Nova Scotia's lush Annapolis Valley, said the growing cost of doing business is making it increasingly difficult to keep farms going.

He said rising wages and fuel prices, coupled with a strong loonie and cheap agricultural imports are making it impossible for farmers to make a profit.

Copyright © 2008, The Canadian Press