Mennonite families from southern Ontario plan to establish a new community in Kent County, New Brunswick, with hopes of revitalizing the agricultural sector.
In an effort to breathe new life into the struggling agricultural industry in Kent County, New Brunswick, three Old Order Mennonite families from southern Ontario have expressed their intention to establish a community in the region. The Kent Regional Service Commission has been working diligently for the past five years to attract Mennonite or Amish communities to the area, recognizing the potential for their traditional farming practices to bolster agricultural efforts. With the purchase of approximately 1,000 acres of land in Acadieville, these families aim to create a thriving agricultural community that will not only contribute to the local economy but also serve as an inspiration for the younger generation to pursue careers in farming.
A Promising Opportunity for Agricultural Revitalization
The CEO of the Kent Regional Service Commission, Paul Lang, believes that the arrival of the Mennonite families presents a unique opportunity to revive the agricultural sector in Kent County. With a rich history of agriculture, the region has seen a decline in farmland over the years. By attracting Mennonite and Amish farmers, the commission hopes to tap into their expertise and dedication to farming, breathing new life into the once-thriving industry. Lang emphasizes the importance of educating the local community about the Mennonite way of life and their commitment to traditional farming practices.
The Appeal of New Brunswick for Mennonite Farmers
Gerard Thebeau, an agrologist and consultant involved in the project, explains that the Mennonite families from Lucknow, Ontario, were drawn to New Brunswick due to the rising cost of land in their home province. Lucknow is known for its dairy industry, which has become less lucrative in recent years. Thebeau highlights the need for preparing the Kent County land for agricultural use, including plowing, adjusting the pH levels, and planting rotational crops. Some land will also need to be cleared and leveled to accommodate the Mennonite families’ traditional horse and buggy transportation.
A Diverse Mennonite Community
According to Conrad Grebel University College, Mennonites in Ontario are a diverse group, with only about 20 percent belonging to conservative factions such as Old Order Mennonites or Old Colony Mennonites. The remaining 80 percent are part of more mainstream culture. Despite their differences, all Mennonite groups share foundational religious beliefs while practicing unique outward customs. With an estimated 175,000 Mennonites in Canada, the arrival of these families in New Brunswick will contribute to the cultural diversity of the region.
Long-Term Solutions for Agriculture and Food Security
Kent North MLA Kevin Arseneau sees the arrival of Mennonite communities as an opportunity to address the long-term challenges facing the agricultural sector. He believes that attracting young people to agriculture is crucial for the industry’s sustainability. Arseneau envisions repurposing existing fields to produce food for New Brunswickers, thereby reducing the province’s dependence on food imports. Thebeau echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the need for increased food production within the province to ensure food security and reduce reliance on transportation from other regions.
Conclusion: The arrival of Old Order Mennonite families in Kent County, New Brunswick, offers a promising opportunity for agricultural revitalization. With their traditional farming practices and dedication to the land, these families can breathe new life into the struggling industry. Their presence not only contributes to the cultural diversity of the region but also serves as an inspiration for younger generations to pursue careers in agriculture. As the community takes root and begins to thrive, it is hoped that it will serve as a model for sustainable farming practices and inspire further initiatives to strengthen the agricultural sector in New Brunswick.
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