All posts by Lucia Stephen

Not Yet Registered? 2014 ACORN Conference “Early-Bird” Rate Available Until September 28th!

Posted by Lucia Stephen on September 06, 2014

**PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR NETWORKS** Join the Atlantic Canadian Organic Regional Network (ACORN) in Halifax, NS, from November 12-14th, for Honouring Our Roots, Sowing Our Future–ACORN’s 15th Annual Conference and Trade Show! Register online before Sunday, September 28th and receive the early-bird (discounted) rate and a chance to win a free night’s stay at the Halifax Harbourfront Marriott Hotel (the Conference location for both ACORN & Food Secure Canada)! All rates will increase as of September 29th.  Register now to secure your participation for three full days of over 45 workshops covering a wide range of organic food and farming topics, including farm wellness and management; organic fruit … Continue reading Not Yet Registered? 2014 ACORN Conference “Early-Bird” Rate Available Until September 28th! →

August 18th – REGISTER NOW for ACORN’S 3rd Beginner Farmer Symposium + Mixer

Posted by Lucia Stephen on August 05, 2014

le francais suit…. SAVE THE DATE & SPREAD THE WORD!  The Atlantic Canadian Organic Regional Network (ACORN) is excited to announce that registration is now open for our 3rd Beginner Farmer Symposium & Mixer, taking place Monday, August 18th, 2014, at Mount Allison University, in Sackville, New Brunswick–a fundraiser event supporting the future and success of local organic agriculture!  Building on the great success of our previous Symposiums, drawing hundreds of farmers from throughout Eastern Canada, we are thrilled to once again showcase another busy day of workshops, panel discussions and prime networking opportunities for new, aspiring and experienced growers across the region.  This year, … Continue reading August 18th – REGISTER NOW for ACORN’S 3rd Beginner Farmer Symposium + Mixer →

May 4: Extend Your Growing Season with Caterpillar Tunnels at Broadfork Farm!

Posted by Lucia Stephen on May 03, 2014

The Grow A Farmer Learning Series and Broadfork Farm present a workshop designed to teach participants the basics of how to put up your own Caterpillar Tunnels (i.e. inexpensive hoophouses)! The farmers at Broadfork Farm have been happily using their caterpillar tunnels for four years now but have made a few refinements along the way. Learn how to use this innovative strategy to extend your growing season! This hands-on opportunity will teach others the step by step process of how to construct and use caterpillar tunnels; key considerations; sourcing materials; costs and more! As all participants will take part in constructing four tunnels, … Continue reading May 4: Extend Your Growing Season with Caterpillar Tunnels at Broadfork Farm! →

As More Farms Sign On, Deadline Extended for ACORN “Farm School”

Posted by Lucia Stephen on March 13, 2014

The deadline has been extended folks! The ground may still be covered in snow but gardeners and farmers are looking to their seed catalogues and dreaming of spring. This is also the time that young and aspiring growers plan the next step of their farm dream, and for many that begins with accessing the necessary training and education through on-farm experience and mentorship. The Atlantic Canadian Organic Regional Network (ACORN) has developed the Grow A Farmer Apprenticeship Program to draw on the expertise of long-established Maritime organic farmers in providing a new and multi-faceted learning opportunity for those keen to farm. Guided … Continue reading As More Farms Sign On, Deadline Extended for ACORN “Farm School” →

ACORN’s “Organic Farm School” Now Accepting 2014 Applications

Posted by Lucia Stephen on January 20, 2014 1 Comment

APPLY NOW! The Atlantic Canadian Organic Regional Network (ACORN)’s Grow A Farmer Apprenticeship Program is now accepting applications for the 2014 season. “Collaborating with a diverse team of ten long-standing, certified-organic ‘host-farms’, this curriculum-guided, farm-based program offers 6-month intensive placements–from May to October–for people who are pursuing a career in organic agriculture,” states Lucia Stephen, Program Coordinator. Offering a dynamic mix of knowledge, skills, and community connections, the 2014 program will provide aspiring agrarians with a unique combination of field learning and “classroom” work. Whether on or off the farm, teachings will explore both the practical and the more theoretical … Continue reading ACORN’s “Organic Farm School” Now Accepting 2014 Applications →