FREDERICTON, NB – The Agricultural Alliance of New Brunswick (AANB) welcomes the Atlantic Economic Panel’s report, Bolder Ambitions: Greater Prosperity for All, and its recognition of agriculture and agri-food as important drivers of Atlantic Canada’s economic growth, productivity and long-term prosperity.

The report identifies opportunities to expand the region’s natural resource industries, strengthen productivity, accelerate technology adoption and attract investment. Among its ambitious objectives is doubling the value of Atlantic Canada’s agri-food sector from $4.7 billion to $9.4 billion, alongside targeted investments in irrigation infrastructure to expand agricultural production, improve productivity and strengthen climate resilience. 

The Panel’s recommendations closely align with two industry-led strategies launched by AANB in 2026: the New Brunswick Agriculture Growth Strategy and the Digital Agriculture Strategy. Developed through extensive industry engagement, these strategies identify opportunities to increase agricultural production, attract investment, strengthen infrastructure, develop the workforce and accelerate agricultural innovation. The strategies are available on AANB’s website at https://fermenbfarm.ca/strategies/.

The Panel identifies several priorities that are central to AANB’s Growth Strategy, including expanding value-added food processing, investing in irrigation infrastructure, improving productivity and strengthening regional supply chains.  AANB emphasizes that investments in processing and distribution must be accompanied by corresponding investments in primary agricultural production. Expanding the agri-food economy requires profitable, productive farms capable of supplying increased volumes of agricultural products.

The Alliance is already working with government, research institutions, regional organizations and industry partners to advance projects involving farmland optimization, irrigation, agricultural infrastructure, market development and increased production capacity. For AANB President Danielle Connell, the report reinforces the importance of investing in agriculture as a strategic economic priority.

“We cannot build a stronger food-processing industry without a stronger primary agricultural industry” said Connell. “If government wants to double the value of our agri-food economy, they must invest in the farmers who will produce the additional food. Growth begins at the farm gate.”

The Panel’s emphasis on artificial intelligence, innovation and digital technology adoption strongly reinforces AANB’s Digital Agriculture Strategy.  Through partnerships with the University of New Brunswick and other research and innovation organizations, AANB is working to connect farmers with technologies that improve efficiency, reduce operating costs and strengthen climate resilience.

AANB supports the Panel’s call for greater regional collaboration and believes shared investments in research, technology, workforce development, processing infrastructure and market access could generate significant economic benefits across Atlantic Canada.

With its two industry-led strategies already established, AANB is well positioned to help translate the Panel’s recommendations into practical initiatives and investments.

The Alliance looks forward to working with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, provincial governments, agricultural organizations and industry partners to advance a coordinated approach to agricultural growth.  Achieving the Panel’s ambitious economic targets will require investment across the entire agricultural value chain, beginning with the farmers and agri-businesses that form the foundation of Atlantic Canada’s food economy.

About the Agricultural Alliance of New Brunswick

The Agricultural Alliance of New Brunswick is a general farm organization representing New Brunswick’s agricultural producers. Through advocacy, industry development, research and strategic partnerships, AANB works to strengthen the competitiveness, profitability and long-term sustainability of agriculture in New Brunswick. 

The New Brunswick agri-food industry is an important economic pillar that generates $1.7 billion in GDP and supports over 17,000 fulltime equivalent jobs.