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“In Nova Scotia, we are not growing half of the food we eat. As a result, food prices are high. I’m trying to find a way to contribute to my community by producing healthy food that people can afford.”

Foster was born in Jamaica, in a family of small-scale farmers. He followed his parents’ path and got a degree from the College of Agriculture Science and Education in 2009. Six years later, he decided to deepen his knowledge and enrolled in �����Ӱ�ԭ��.

The plant science program allowed him to dive into the science of farming and explore the business side of agriculture. Niran loved learning on land, praising the demonstration garden for the practical skills he gained. “[The program] profoundly impacted me,” he shares. “I saw how agriculture could be a business for me, how I can survive off it if I come up with enough resources, perseverance and patience.”

One year after graduation, he and his wife established CNF Family Farm in Truro. Every year, from June to December, they sell their harvest at the Truro Farmer’s Market.

“We decided to have it all on one table, so our customers can get every single thing they need,” he says.

The Foster family sells leafy greens, root and cruciferous vegetables, squashes and herbs. They share their culture through vegetables like callaloo, popular in Caribbean and West African cuisines.

Foster has faced his share of hardships but still believes farming is more rewarding than challenging.

“A typical day in the garden is a type of therapy for me. If I’m not happy, I go there, and my muscles will relax,” shares Foster. “In the first week of July, when you are harvesting garlic, onion and thyme, it smells like you're in a kitchen already. It’s an environment you want to be in, it brings you peace.”

Growing the farm, future farmers

Foster doesn’t shy away from innovation. From 2019 to 2022, he worked on a few agricultural projects as a research assistant at �����Ӱ�ԭ��. He loved studying intercropping of camelina, mustard and peas – how the cultures grow better in symbiosis in comparison to growing alone.

In 2023, CNF Family Farm was honoured with the Newcomer Business Award for their impact on the community. But Foster’s impact spreads beyond his farm – he cultivates a stronger agricultural industry. As a coordinator of the  program, he engages African Nova Scotian youth in agriculture.

The initiative, run through , spans several locations across the province. Participants engage in all stages of farming, from seedling selection and land preparation to planting and entrepreneurship training. The program aims to address community food security needs and show that agriculture is not just hard, physical work but a viable and rewarding career path.

“The idea is to get people who look like them to be role models, mentors, show how we impact the industry, show that they can do it too,” says Foster.

Looking ahead, Foster plans to shift from renting to owning farmland, and plans to build a farmhouse and greenhouses for year-round farming. He wants to continue to share his culture through food. “I would like to bring in workers from Jamaica, grow more produce, and add goat production to the business. Canada doesn’t have enough goat on the market, while a lot of people from Jamaica, India and Africa cook it regularly.”

On top of his BSc (Agr) in plant science, Niran also holds a Master of Adult Education from St. Francis Xavier University. He hopes to also pursue a PhD in agriculture if the opportunity arises.

“I believe in sustainable agriculture. We can grow better without chemicals, let people know where the food came from, and cut out the person in the middle. And that's what we have been doing.”