David Dickinson
David Dickinson has provided outstanding commitment to Nova Scotia’s blueberry industry, as both a farmer and advocate. He is well sought after by his fellow producers, who hold in high regard his wealth of experience, opinions, and advice.
Born into an agricultural family in 1943, David learned the values of hard work and dedication on the Dickinson Bros farm in West Brook. He graduated from the Nova Scotia Agricultural College in 1963, and after completing his Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture at Macdonald College, David returned to the family farm. He assumed responsibility from his father Seymour and uncle Karl, who had built a farm that prided itself on diversification. David continued this production strategy, concurrently producing blueberries, strawberries, beef cattle, and maple products, and cutting logs for local mills.
Wild blueberries have always been a mainstay of the farm. Following in the footsteps of his pioneering family members, David began contributing in his own way to the growing industry. Working with the Department of Agriculture, he provided test plots, studied results to improve berry quality and yield, and engaged with industry experts. To improve his harvest, David cleared increasing areas of land, and implemented a double-cropping system. This two-year harvest cycle eliminated the production costs of weed control, making it cost-effective and highly productive.
David spreads his passion for agriculture by sharing his practices and results with fellow producers. It is his dedication to elevating the wild blueberry industry that prompted him to become one of the founding organizers of the Wild Blueberry Producers Association of Nova Scotia. His service within the organization has included roles as Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer, and David continues to serve on the Board of Directors and its committees.
Maple production on the farm has grown under David’s innovative guidance. During his university years in Quebec, David discovered the use of a plastic piping system in sugar bush production, which he introduced on his own farm. David purchased additional land and in 1973 constructed a roadside sugar camp to host visitors. The property now boasts over 18,000 taps. Not one to rest on his laurels, David continues to develop new products, modernize the camp and production facilities, and promote the industry. He is an active member of the Maple Producers Association of Nova Scotia, serving in varying roles as Chair or Board Member.
To David, farming is a family affair. He and his wife Karen were honoured in 1994 by the Nova Scotia Institute of Agrologists, receiving the Outstanding Farmer Award. The couple have three children, Timothy, Andrew, and Daniel, and four grandchildren, upon whom David strives to instill a love of farming. When not on the farm, David contributes his time to the Southampton United Church and West Brook Cemetery Society. He also takes time to enjoy badminton at local clubs.
Nominated by the Wild Blueberry Producers Association of Nova Scotia for his contributions to the growth of the wild blueberry industry and his mentorship of fellow producers, David Dickinson is a worthy inductee into the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame.