BUTTERNUT VALLEY, NB – The Kings region is defined by its resilience and the steadfast commitment of its residents to their home. In 2017, the region faced significant economic uncertainty following the closure of the Picadilly potash mine. Today, the Kings Regional Service Commission (RSC) is applying the lessons from that period to ensure a stable future for Butternut Valley and the surrounding area.

Following the announcement that the Agropur facility in Butternut Valley will wind down operations by 2028, the Kings RSC has initiated a collaborative strategy to support our 63 affected neighbours. While the full closure is not expected for two years, the RSC is acting now to mitigate economic impacts and preserve regional stability.

The loss of a major employer in one of our rural municipalities is a regional challenge that requires a regional response. By coordinating our efforts today, we ensure the long-term prosperity of Butternut Valley and the entire Kings region.

The Kings RSC is working in close coordination with WorkingNB, Opportunities New Brunswick, and the Sussex & District Chamber of Commerce through the existing Kings region Labour Market Partnership framework. This collaborative effort moves beyond individual silos to provide a unified, grounded response for affected workers and local businesses.

Immediate and short-term actions include:

  • Establishment of a Rapid Response Working Group: A collaborative team dedicated to real-time information sharing and coordinated action among regional partners and the municipality of Butternut Valley.
  • Worker Information Sessions: A multi-agency session in the near future to provide affected staff and their families with direct access to transition resources, including career counselling and mental health support.
  • Precision Skills Mapping: The Working Group is currently securing detailed job profiles for all 63 positions to facilitate high-precision matching with other regional employers, including emerging opportunities in the industrial sector.
  • Training and Development Initiatives: Identifying specific gaps in the regional workforce to provide affected workers with targeted pathways to new roles in industrial trades and food production.

Looking toward the 2028 horizon, the Kings RSC is reviewing previous regional economic strategies to identify opportunities that were stalled by a lack of a lead agency. Following the 2023 governance reform, the RSC now holds a formal mandate for Economic and Community Development. The commission is well positioned to transform these strategies into a living regional plan that adapts to changing conditions and supports sustainable growth.