°ϲʿ

 

Cultivating a stronger community

- February 6, 2025

Niran Foster, Class of '19, established CNF Family Farm in Truro. Every year, from June to December, they sell their harvest at the Truro Farmer’s Market. (Nick Pearce photo)
Niran Foster, Class of '19, established CNF Family Farm in Truro. Every year, from June to December, they sell their harvest at the Truro Farmer’s Market. (Nick Pearce photo)

For Niran Foster (BSc Agr’19) and his wife, Cadine, running a farm is not just a continuation of their families’ legacy but also a way to support the local community.

“In Nova Scotia, we're 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.”

From a family of farmers

Niran was born in Jamaica into a family of small-scale farmers. He followed his parents’ path and earned a degree from the College of Agriculture, Science, and Education in 2009. Six years later, he decided to deepen his knowledge and enrolled at °ϲʿ.

°ϲʿ's Plant Scienceprogram allowed Niran to dive into the science of farming and explore the business side of agriculture. He loved learning on the land, praising the demonstration garden for the practical skills he gained.

“(The program) profoundly impacted me,” he says. “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.”

Starting a business

One year after graduation, he and his wife established CNF Family Farm in Truro. From June to December each year, they sell their harvest at the .

“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.

Above: Niran (right) and Cadine (left) at the Truro Farmers Market. (Photo from).

Serenity in the garden

Niran 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 relax,” says Niran. “In the first week of July, when you are harvesting garlic, onions and thyme, it smells like you're in a kitchen. It’s an environment you want to be in; it brings you peace.”

Research, innovation and mentorship

Niran doesn’t shy away from innovation. From 2019 to 2022, he worked on several agricultural projects as a research assistant at °ϲʿ. He loved studying the intercropping of camelina, mustard and peas and how they grow better in symbiosis compared to growing alone.

In 2023, CNF Family Farm was honoured with the Newcomer Business Award for its impact on the community. But Niran’s impact extends beyond his farm— he is helping to cultivate a stronger agricultural industry.

As a coordinator for the, he engages African Nova Scotian youth in agriculture. The initiative, run through , spans several locat