What we do

The Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries is responsible for supporting growth, competitiveness and sustainability of these three sectors. We provide administrative and financial support through various programs, offer livestock veterinary services, technical advisory services, marketing and trade services, business growth services, conduct or support strategic research and provide regulatory oversight.  We work closely with industry and stakeholders to support opportunities in the primary and value-added agriculture, aquaculture and fishery sectors.

Responsibilities

  • Offering educational and technical advisory services to farmers, fishers and agri-food producers.
  • Supporting agriculture, aquaculture, and fisheries activities through financial programs and applicable licensing.
  • Developing and implementing strategies and action plans to support the targeted development of the sectors.
  • Acting as regulatory lead and provide oversight for aquaculture production and fish health diagnostics.
  • Providing agricultural, equine, and aquaculture veterinary field services, complemented by laboratory diagnostic services.
  • Providing disease-tested tissue cultured potato material to industry which become the basis for New Brunswick’s seed potato industry.
  • Operating and managing the New Brunswick Aquarium and Marine Centre.

Priorities

  • Improve the economic competitiveness and sustainable development of the agriculture, aquaculture and fishery sectors.
  • Identify opportunities to increase export, domestic and local markets.
  • Encourage research and innovation to drive advancements and productivity.
  • Improve awareness and access to local food and beverages through the Buy NB initiative.
  • Advocate on behalf of commercial fisheries industry for access to stock and other programs.
  • Deliver the 2023-2028 Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership program.
  • Support the three sectors in becoming more innovative, competitive, market-diversified and sustainable on a domestic or global scale.
  • Promote sustainable farming practices, including soil conservation and crop management.