An Asset Based Community Development Plan for the Agriculture Sector
The agriculture sector with the help of the Pictou Regional Development Agency (PRDA) has undertaken the development of a rural agriculture economic development strategy. The strategy is intended to bring a wide focus to agricultural issues, in an effort to ensure that the needs and aspirations of farmers are taken in account and the future of agricultural communities throughout Pictou County is being addressed in a comprehensive manner.
The Strategic Plan has been developed through consultations with participating farmers, representing the sector. It sets out a number of goals, and an action plan to achieve them. The Plan is aimed at measures designed to foster sustainability of existing farms and to support new entrant farmers who can assist in growing the farming communities.
Download a copy of the Agriculture Strategy (670KB)
View a guide to finding local food, producers and restaurants in Pictou County
What is Pictou County Sustainable Agriculture (PCSA):
PCSA is an association of farmer producers who are working together to create a more vibrant and sustainable industry. PCSA emphasizes direct-to-consumer relationships, quality assurance, education, innovation and respect for the environment.
What we do:
- Promote communication among members on matters pertaining to agriculture and the progress of the industry in the region;
- Offer assistance with regards to improvements in agriculture and rural life; and
- Promote any program which directly or indirectly affects the economic position of primary producers.
Participating farmers who use this mark on their products have met the following criteria:
- Be a registered farm or business in Nova Scotia;
- Use the logo solely in association with Pictou County grown, harvested or processed agri-food and seafood products;
- PCSA food products must meet all legal requirements for sale including pertinent Canadian and Provincial licensing requirements for packing plants processing plants and food products;
- PCSA food products must meet all health and safety protocols;
- PCSA food products must meet the quality standards demanded by the marketplace;
- The PCSA logo may be used on labels, packaging, point of sale, merchandising, promotional materials and advertising when all the above criteria has been met.
Participating restaurants who use this mark to indicate menu items prepared with a minimum of 15% of locally produced ingredients:
Food Trade Show: Connecting Local Producers with Local Buyers
Monday, October 24, 2011 at Summer Street Industries a food trade show took place that saw farmers, fishers and restaurant owners gather to exchange information. The trade show is an attempt to increase awareness of locally available foods to those in the food industry. By meeting face-to-face, restaurateurs were able to ask the questions about things like supply and availability, cost and transportation, accessibility and quantity. It was also the perfect opportunity to launch the new logo for Pictou County Sustainable Agriculture and its intended uses. A new food guide was also unveiled at the event.
Special thanks to Summer Street Industries who created an atmosphere that made engagement easy. Thanks also to their two chefs Linda MacLeod and Lynn Hayden who really went above and beyond. It was great to host the event at Summer Street Industries, which clearly has a passion for local foods in their catering service, hosting large and small events continuously.
View pictures from the Food Trade Show
Why host a Food Trade Show?
The directive for the Trade Show comes from the new PCSA strategic plan.
Strategic Direction 3.0: Food trade show Development
Strategic Initiative 3.0: To host a Pictou County food trade show
How: Collaboration of agriculture businesses and the sector to promote their goods (commodities) and services to Pictou County. It is in this way that awareness is given to the general public, food establishments and restaurants on the availability of quality local foods.
Events
Celebration of Small Scale Farming: The Celebration of Small Scale Farming is coming back for its third year! Explore how today’s small-scale farmers are building on the strong foundation of traditional farming knowledge and practices with modern production technology, farm business management and marketing.
Pictou North Colchester Exhibition Grounds
July 30, 2012 | 8:30am-4:30pm
For more information join the event on Facebook; or to register, visit www.gov.ns.ca/agri/cssf
Links to Helpful Videos
Dan Barber: How I fell in love with a fish (TED Talk): Chef Dan Barber squares off with a dilemma facing many chefs today: how to keep fish on the menu. With impeccable research and deadpan humor, he chronicles his pursuit of a sustainable fish he could love, and the foodie's honeymoon he's enjoyed since discovering an outrageously delicious fish raised using a revolutionary farming method in Spain.
Impact of Research on Organic Agriculture: Featuring: Andy Hammermeister, Director, Organic Agriculture Center of Canada (OACC); Loïc Dewavrin, organic producer; Louise Nelson, Associate Dean of Research, University of British Columbia - Okanagan; Céline Boutin, Research Scientist, Environment Canada; Valérie Gravel, Researcher, Laval University; Caroline Halde, Ph.D, Student, University of Manitoba; Cinthya Leyva Mancilla, Student, McGill University; Ted Zettel, President, Organic Federation of Canada; Martin Entz, Professor, University of Manitoba.
Organic Farmers and Researchers Sharing Knowledge: Featuring: Andy Hammermeister, Director, Organic Agriculture Center of Canada; Kathleen Delate, Professor, Iowa State University, Sukhdev Mahli, Soil Scientist, AAFC; Linda Edwards, Organic Producer, BC; Martin Entz, Professor, University of Manitoba; Martin Meinert, Saskatchewan Organic Farmer; Joanne Thiessen Martens, Research Team, University of Manitoba; Dan DeRuyck, Manitoba Organic Producer; Marvin J. Dyck, Manitoba Organic Producer; Derek Lynch, Canada Research Chair in Organic Agriculture.
Organic Knowledge for the Future: Featuring: Ralph Martin, Founder of OACC; Chantal Hamel, Researcher, AAFC; Martin Entz, Professor, University of Manitoba; Derek Lynch, Canada Research Chair in Organic Agriculture; Thorsten Haase, Scientist, University of Kassel, Germany
Organic Researchers in Canada and the United States: Featuring: Kathleen Delate, Professor, Iowa State University; Frank Kutka, North Dakota State University; Stephen Fox, Wheat Breeder, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC); Nicolas Tremblay, AAFC Researcher; Sukhdev Mahli, Soil Scientist, AAFC; Eric Gallandt, Weed Ecologist, University of Maine; Janine Gibson, Canadian Organic Inspector.
Organic Science Conference: Be there...without actually having been there! A comprehensive series of videos (best viewed using a Firefox browser) encompassing all keynote and research presentations of the Canadian Organic Science Conference will let you partake in the knowledge sharing from the comfort of your home or office. Learn about the latest developments in organic soil management, organic cereal, horticultural, greenhouse and livestock production, and the social science, extension and environmental aspects of organic from leading scientists, graduate students and invited speakers from across Canada and beyond.
Links to Helpful Resources for Agriculturalists
AgLink: an excellent resource to help farmers and fishers find programs and other essential pieces of information for your business
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada: federal agency responsible for agricultural policy, programs and research
Young and Beginning Farmers: a resource for those just starting out
ACORN (Atlantic Canada Organic Regional Network): production information, workshops and webinars
AgraPoint: agricultural consulting and production information
CBDC (Community Business Development Corporation): business counselling and financing
Ecology Action Centre: urban land share program, information on food and farming issues in Nova Scotia
FarmLINK: the site aims to connect farm seekers and farmland owners through a Matchmaker tool.
Food Secure Canada: a nonprofit national organization committed to zero hunger, healthy & safe food and a sustainable food system
Harrison Lewis Centre: workshops and other events for farmers, foresters and rural residents
Healthy Living: a comprehensive website with tips and free resources for healthier eating and living
ISIS (Immigrant Settlement & Integration Services: business counselling, language training and other services for newcomers to Canada
Links to Industry Organizations & Associations: connect with other producers working in your industry
Meet Your Farmer: a website of the Federation of Nova Scotia Agriculture to facilitate and improve the relationship with farmers and consumers
National Farmers Union Youth: campaign for new farmers
Nova Scotia Agricultural College: degrees and diplomas in agriculture, courses through the Centre for Continuing and Distance Education, research and expert advice
Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture: recognized voice of Nova Scotia farmers, source of information on general farm issues
Nova Scotia Young Farmers Forum: network with other young farmers in the province
Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada: fact sheets, research reports and extension services on organic production
Pollination Project: incubator farm, workshops and other events on sustainable living
Select Nova Scotia: directory of local producers
Regional Development Authorities: business development support
SOIL (Stewards of Irreplaceable Land): Canada's Sustainable Farm Apprenticeship Program
Think Farm: a website dedicated as a resource for farmers
Vanada Shiva and Navdanya International: global visionary solutions for a secure and sustainable energy and food futre
Downloads
Resetting the Table: A People's Food Policy for Canada
