Joseph Brennan
Throughout his career, Joseph (Joe) Brennan has been a skilled advocate for agriculture, helping to advance the potato industry within New Brunswick and across Canada. His collaborative spirit and dedication have made an indelible impact on the industry and his fellow producers.
Joe was born in 1953 in Bath, NB, where his family had a hog farm. He attended the Nova Scotia Agricultural College (NSAC) and graduated in 1974 with a Diploma in Agricultural Economics, and then completed a degree in Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University of Maine in Orono. Following graduation, he worked for Agriculture Canada’s Small Farm Development Program.
In 1979 he returned home, purchased the family farm, and incorporated it as Brookdale Farms Ltd. Expanding on the sow/weanling operation, Joe built a feeder barn to finish hogs. When his brother Paul returned to the farm they diversified into dairy and farmed together until 1990. Four years later the dairy was sold and the farm started growing potatoes and raising beef. It was during this transition period that Joe worked for Moulees Atlantic/Atlantic Feeds and began a 20+ year career of growing potatoes.
By 1994, potato production was in full operation on the farm, and Joe commenced his definitive work within the industry. During his tenure with Potatoes NB, Joe acted in many capacities as a voice for producers, and demonstrated a commitment to the growth and long-term sustainability of the potato industry. As Chair of Potatoes NB from 2009-2012, he lobbied for programs and initiatives that remain crucial to the economic stability of the industry. Joe is a passionate advocate for risk management programs and his wide ranging involvement on provincial and federal committees reflects his commitment to improving programs that support farmers in economic crisis.
Joe’s leadership skills are well recognized. His input and advice are often sought. He served as president of the Agriculture Producers Association of NB from 2002-2003. As a producer, he has represented farmers on the Alliance for Potato Research and Education and the Potato Sustainability Program. He was Vice Chair of the United Potato Growers of Canada and he currently leads the New Brunswick Potato Industry Transformation Initiative as project coordinator.
Joe has long been committed to other sector initiatives having served as Chair of the NB Hog Producers Association and the local milk committee. He provides leadership to his alma mater, the former NSAC and now Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Agriculture, where he is an active member of the Agriculture Campaign Cabinet. Joe dedicates his time to community efforts as well, serving on the Northern Carleton Hospital Board, several church committees, and Enterprise Carleton. As a former Director of the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame Joe had the opportunity to recognize the contributions of his fellow producers.
Joe and his wife Carol have four children, Laura, David, Katie, and Maria, and the three grandchildren.
Nominated by Potatoes New Brunswick for his leadership to the potato industry and exceptional advocacy for fellow producers, Joseph Brennan is a worthy inductee into the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame.