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Your Trusted Agriculture Advocates in Newfoundland and Labrador
Established to represent the collective interests of farmers in Newfoundland and Labrador, our organization has dedicated nearly five decades to strengthening the agricultural sector through advocacy, education, and community-driven initiatives. We coordinate efforts among diverse producer groups, advocate for policy reforms, and administer government-funded programs to foster a competitive, sustainable industry. Our projects, including Agriculture in the Classroom NL, NL Young Farmers, and AgriCare, address workforce development, youth engagement, and mental health support.Collaborating with academic institutions, government agencies, and industry stakeholders, we implement innovative solutions like the NL Living Lab to combat climate challenges. Our team of professionals delivers tailored resources, from farm safety tools to crisis intervention services, ensuring farmers have access to critical support 24/7. By bridging gaps between producers and policymakers, we amplify the agricultural community's voice while promoting public confidence in locally produced food.
Services
Agricultural Advocacy
Mental Health Support
Climate Research
Youth Education
Policy Development
Farm Safety Resources
Government Program Administration
Producer Representation
Crisis Intervention
Sustainability Initiatives
Highlights and features
- We have coordinated agricultural advocacy efforts across Newfoundland and Labrador for nearly 50 years.
- Our AgriCare program provides 24/7 access to agriculturally informed mental health professionals.
- We collaborate with Memorial University and government agencies on climate change mitigation research.
- Our Agriculture in the Classroom initiative educates over 10,000 students annually about food systems.
- We represent 10+ commodity groups including dairy, beef, and beekeeping associations province-wide.
Services
AgriCare Mental Health
AgriCare NL provides 24/7 mental health support specifically tailored for agricultural workers. Our program connects farmers with counselors familiar with industry challenges through confidential phone consultations. Services include crisis intervention, stress management resources, and farm-specific safety tools to promote workforce wellbeing.
Agriculture Education
Agriculture in the Classroom NL educates students about food production systems through curriculum-aligned activities. Our initiatives include classroom presentations, teacher resources, and hands-on learning experiences that connect youth with agricultural practices and environmental impacts across Newfoundland and Labrador.
Climate Adaptation
NL Living Lab develops climate solutions through producer collaboration and scientific research. We implement soil carbon sequestration practices and greenhouse gas mitigation strategies while addressing farmers' operational needs through Memorial University partnerships and government funding programs.
Producer Representation
We represent 10+ commodity groups in policy discussions with federal and provincial governments. Our advocacy efforts focus on market development, regulatory reforms, and financial programming to strengthen Newfoundland and Labrador's agricultural sector through collective action.
Young Farmers Forum
NL Young Farmers initiative supports agricultural career development through networking events, skill-building workshops, and public awareness campaigns. We create mentorship opportunities and provide resources to help emerging farmers establish successful operations across the province.
People
Wayne Simmons
President
President of NLFA and operator of Hammond Farm Ltd., bringing extensive agricultural production experience to guide strategic direction and industry representation.
Colin Carroll
General Manager
Oversees NLFA operations with 15+ years of agricultural management experience, coordinating programs and government partnerships to advance provincial farming interests.
Sara Power
Public Trust & Marketing Manager
Manages public relations and marketing initiatives to enhance agriculture's visibility, with expertise in stakeholder engagement and program development for rural communities.
Kylie Stokes
AgriCare NL Coordinator
Provides mental health support services as MA-qualified professional, managing 24/7 crisis line operations and developing wellness resources tailored to agricultural workers' needs.
Christa Wright
Industry Development Manager
Coordinates agricultural development projects with government and industry partners, focusing on innovation adoption and market expansion opportunities for Newfoundland producers.
Questions
How can I join the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture?
Membership applications are available on our website. Producers can join directly or through their commodity association, with benefits including advocacy representation and program access.
What mental health resources does AgriCare NL offer?
AgriCare provides 24/7 confidential counseling, farm-specific safety tools, and crisis intervention services. All resources are available free of charge to agricultural workers and their families.
Do you offer educational programs for schools?
Our Agriculture in the Classroom NL program provides curriculum resources, teacher training, and student activities about food production systems for K-12 schools across the province.
How does NLFA support young farmers?
The NL Young Farmers initiative offers networking opportunities, skill development workshops, and advocacy support to help emerging producers establish successful agricultural enterprises.
What climate change initiatives are you involved in?
NL Living Lab develops soil carbon sequestration practices through producer collaboration, while our climate adaptation program identifies management strategies to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
