Linda

Total of $1,033,400 Invested to Cultivate Food Production

NEWS RELEASE      FarmWorks Investment Co-operative Limited

For Release March 30, 2015

Funds for Food – FarmWorks is cultivating food producers

FarmWorks has reached its first million! A fourth offer of FarmWorks Shares has raised $312,400 from Nova Scotians interested in supporting food producers and growing the Provincial economy. This brings the three year total to $1,033,400 and to date loans have been granted to 34 businesses across the Province. Funds from the new Offer will be loaned to applicants who meet FarmWorks criteria of excellent business planning, and home-grown production and sales.   

FarmWorks Investment Co-operative Limited sells Community Economic Development Investment Fund (CEDIF) Shares to raise capital for strategic and responsible investment in sustainable food production. This capital is loaned to qualifying food-related enterprises that contribute to the Provincial economy by creating jobs on farms and throughout the food system, stimulating the economy, increasing food sufficiency and providing benefits for all Nova Scotians. As loans are repaid the capital is loaned to new applicants.

To date the following businesses have received FarmWorks loans: Pie r Squared, Big Spruce Brewing, Kingsville Farm, Fenol Farm, Stewart’s Organic Farm, Oakview Farm, Meander River Farm, Valley Flaxflour, Meadowbrook Meat Market, Charcuterie Ratinaud French Cuisine, Wandering Shepherd Cheese, Rocky Top Farm, Helen B’s Preserves, Savour Deli, Local Source Market, Gold Island Bakery, Vincent Food Dressings, Good Lake Farm, Field Guide Restaurant, Fruition, Hoppy’s Farm, Millennium Gardens, The Port Grocer, Boxing Rock Brewing, Down on the Corner Farm, Flying Apron Cookery, South Shore Farm, Forever Green Farm, Highland Drive Storehouse, Getaway Farm, Rockwell Local No 9, Meadows’ Brother’s Farm, Loré’s Strawberry Farm, Thousand Hills Farm.

Across the Province FarmWorks hosts Information Sessions for potential investors and Entrepreneurs’ Showcases with “Gentle Dragons” asking questions of entrepreneurs interested in applying for FarmWorks loans. Mentoring and promotion is provided, and annually in October FarmWorks Flavours brings producers together with people who are interested in sampling and learning more about their products.

The fourteen Directors of FarmWorks Investment Co-operative Limited come from across Nova Scotia and, in collaboration with many knowledgeable Advisors, bring expertise in agriculture and food production, economic development, education, health, and business finance and funding decisions.

FarmWorks Share Offers, which require a Certificate of Registration under the Nova Scotia Equity Tax Credit Legislation and non-objection by the Nova Scotia Securities Commission, enable investors who meet the criteria set out in the Legislation to purchase shares in FarmWorks CEDIF and receive a personal 35% non-refundable Nova Scotia Equity Tax Credit. Investors may be eligible for further Tax Credits of 20% and 10% at the 5 and 10 year investment anniversaries. Investments may be eligible for RRSP tax deferral.

FarmWorks Annual General Meeting will take place on April 30th at 3 pm at the Louis Millett Community Centre, Room 119, 9489 Commercial Street, New Minas.  In the same location, at 6 pm the annual April Flavours Dinner sponsored by Friends of Agriculture will feature food and beverages provided and prepared by FarmWorks clients and other food producers. Tickets are $40, are required to be purchased in advance, and are available from Linda Best, various local sources and online (details at https://sandbox.farmworks.ca/fans/)

For more information about this press release contact:

Peter Hicklenton or Linda Best
Co-chairs, FarmWorks Investment Co-operative Limited

Phone: 902-542-3442 or 902-670-3660

lbest@ns.sympatico.ca

FarmWorks Flavours 2015

Flavours 2015 11x17

Bring your appetite and bring your friends!
Sample delicious local foods and beverages provided by the outstanding food entrepreneurs supported by FarmWorks Investment Co-op Limited.
Meet the Producers, talk with them about their businesses and learn where to find their products.
Have great conversations about the delicious, nutritious foods of Nova Scotia

FarmWorks Directors will provide information about the benefits of investing in FarmWorks and supporting farms and food producers.

Please forward this information to anyone who may be interested!

 

The menu items available last year!FarmWorks Flavours Menu front 2014_2

 

Why FarmWorks Matters

PRESS RELEASE – May 26, 2014

More than 25 jobs created within two years by entrepreneurs supported by FarmWorks

FarmWorks Investment Co-operative Limited announced today that 18 Nova Scotian food-related businesses receiving loans in the 18 months between May 2012 and December 2013 have created 20 full time jobs and six part time jobs as a direct result of FarmWorks loans. More …. FarmWorks evaluation report May 2014

July Impact Report Information

Impacts of Local Investment – Survey of FarmWorks Clients

Economic and Social Impacts of FarmWorks Support for Food Related Businesses in Nova Scotia

Anticipated figures for 2017 based on 70 (relative to 38) businesses that have received $2,078,000 (relative to $1,005,500): revenue $15,000,000, expenses $13,000,000, full or part-time jobs 475.

“I think that entrepreneurs should boast about the support that we receive and where we receive it. Too often I see an article on a start-up entrepreneur and they do not mention the support that they received early on, and I think that it is very important that they do, so that others can be aware of it!” FarmWorks client’s comment.

FarmWorks Receives National Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

APRIL 14, 2014

FarmWorks honoured among Tides Top 10 awardees

Tides Canada named FarmWorks Investment Co-operative Limited among its Tides Top 10 – a national annual award honouring some of Canada’s most innovative social change efforts that inspire people to take action, think in new ways and make the world a better place.

We chose them for: Creating meaningful partnerships with investors and with loan recipients, businesses and other lenders – partnerships that contribute to the growth of food-related enterprises across Nova Scotia.

“Our Tides Top 10 award is an opportunity to shine the spotlight on some of Canada’s most innovative social and environmental initiatives,” said Ross McMillan, President and CEO of Tides Canada. “Each of this year’s recipients has demonstrated innovation, creativity and impact while working at the intersection of social, ecological and economic considerations. We’re pleased to recognize and celebrate their collective dedication to social change.”

FarmWorks Director Ann Anderson said “We’re pleased that Tides Canada has recognized the work we’re doing to put food back where it belongs as the driver of economic and social change. Good food is crucial for our wellbeing and sustainable local food is necessary for our security.”

Visit www.tidescanada.org/tidestop10 and www.farmworks.ca/home/ to learn more.

About FarmWorks

FarmWorks promotes and provides strategic and responsible community investment in food production and distribution in order to increase access to a sustainable local food supply for all Nova Scotians. FarmWorks’ Community Economic Development Investment Funds provide financing for farms, farm-based secondary processing, and value-added food products, enabling all Nova Scotians to invest in and build a sustainable agricultural and food system.

About Tides Canada

Tides Canada is the country’s largest public foundation dedicated to the environment and social justice – a network that connects an ecosystem of donors and doers who care about our people, our environment and our future.

Media Contact

Linda Best, FarmWorks Investment Co-operative Limited

Phone 902-542-3442, Cell 902-670-3660, lbest@ns.sympatico.ca

Third Annual General Meeting

The Directors of FarmWorks cordially invite you to attend the 2014 AGM. Please invite anyone else who may be interested in FarmWorks as an investor or an applicant. 

FarmWorks 2014 AGM will take place at 3 PM ON SATURDAY APRIL 26, 2014 at

THE WOODEN MONKEY MEETING ROOM, 2nd LEVEL – FERRY TERMINAL BUILDING

88 ALDERNEY DRIVE, DARTMOUTH, NOVA SCOTIA 

3 pm              Registration of Shareholders and Guests

Distribution of Annual Report and Minutes

3:30 pm          Welcome and Introductions

Call to Order

Minutes of 2013 AGM

Business arising from the Minutes

Report from the Chair

Report on the CEDIF and Investments

Report on the Audited Financial Statements

Appointment of Auditor for next year

Report of the Governance Committee

Amendment of Bylaw governing the number of Directors (see below)

Report of the Nominating Committee

Nominations from the floor

Election of New Directors

New Business

4:30 pm    Adjournment

If you wish to have dinner at the Wooden Monkey following the AGM please contact the Wooden Monkey at (902) 466-3100 for a reservation.

Amendment:

TO BE VOTED ON AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

WHEREAS FARMWORKS WAS INCORPORATED IN 2011 UNDER THE CO-OPERATIVES ACT;

ITS MISSION IS:

To promote and provide strategic and responsible community investment in food production and distribution in order to increase access to a sustainable local food supply for all Nova Scotians:

AND WHEREAS BY-LAW NUMBER ONE GOVERNING THE NUMBER OF DIRECTORS IS AS FOLLOWS:

1.       The Board of Directors shall consist of a minimum of four and a maximum of nine directors who shall be elected for a term of three years arranged so that a. minimum of two and a maximum of four directors are elected each year. The maximum number of terms which a director may serve is two.

AND WHEREAS THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ARE EXPERIENCING INCREASED WORKLOAD AS THE CO-OPERATIVE HAS GROWN;

THE FOLLOWING SPECIAL RESOLUTION OF SHAREHOLDERS TO AMEND THE BY-LAWS OF THE CO-OPERATIVE WILL BE PUT TO A VOTE AT THE ANNUAL MEETING:

BE IT RESOLVED

THAT BY-LAW ONE OF THE BYLAWS OF FARMWORKS INVESTMENT CO-OPERATIVE LIMITED BE AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS:

1.       The Board of Directors shall consist of a minimum of NINE and a maximum of FOURTEEN directors who shall be elected for a term of three years arranged so that a minimum of FOUR and a maximum of SIX directors are elected each year. The maximum number of terms which a director may serve is two.

Alison Scott Butler, QC

Governance Chair

Gentle Dragons Find Food

The Gentle Dragons found many current and potential food producers right across the Province and throughout the next months some of them will show up on this website when they qualify to receive loans from FarmWorks. 

In January and February there were FarmWorks information sessions and “Gentle Dragons” food producer showcases across Nova Scotia. Everyone was invited to attend to hear from local producers and to learn how FarmWorks is supporting producers. Shares in FarmWorks provide Provincial tax credits. The March 3rd Offer has closed but will reopen to accommodate additional investors (see below).

People presented their plans or their ideas for producing more food in Nova Scotia and the Gentle Dragons and the audience made suggestions and asked questions. For information about future Gentle Dragons session please contact Linda Best lbest@ns.sympatico.ca, 902-542-3442.

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FarmWorks’ Mission is to promote, and provide, strategic and responsible community investment in food production and distribution in order to increase access to a sustainable local food supply for all Nova Scotians. The goals of the Gentle Dragons Sessions are to promote local enterprises that provide food and beverages; to raise awareness of potential opportunities for investment in food-related businesses that require funding in order to provide more local, sustainable, healthy food; and to inform the public about the Nova Scotia Community Economic Development Investment program and how potential investors can purchase shares.

Presentations are invited from Nova Scotian food producers seeking to increase sustainable production of food, whether or not they are seeking funding from FarmWorks. Each presenter will have five minutes and, if desired, up to 10 slides to tell their stories, followed by Q&A and comments from the Gentle Dragons and the audience. Presenters are encouraged to promote their businesses with literature, samples and conversation. This is an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of your businesses and products and to build relationships with potential investors, the public and other businesses. An objective of the sessions is to raise awareness and encourage people to invest in local food-related businesses. Please review the criteria for loans if you are seeking capital. FarmWorks is already supporting 21 enterprises and we’re looking for more great opportunities for Nova Scotian investment.

Gary Kent  – Vincent Food Dressings:

Have you ever had a business idea or are you presently working on your Big Idea and wondering how the Dragons would respond to it? This is your chance! Even if you don’t want to take it to the next level but want an opportunity to try it out on the Dragons (GENTLE DRAGONS that is) you can.

Yes, the Gentle Dragons of FarmWorks will be giving you that opportunity. Whether you’re asking for their support in the form of a loan, or making the right contacts, or getting some needed mentoring, this could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

Just ask Gary Kent of Vincent Dressings.  ”I had an idea and needed some help to get it off the ground. The Gentle Dragons liked my idea and the good folks of FarmWorks helped make it happen. You can do this too by presenting your ideas to the Gentle Dragons.”

FarmWorks Investment Co-operative Limited

January 27th, 2014

FarmWorks Community Economic Development Fund facilitates investment in Nova Scotian farms and food-related enterprises.

The Directors of FarmWorks Investment Co-operative Limited are pleased to announce that the application for a Certificate of Registration under the Nova Scotia Equity Tax Credit Legislation (the “Legislation”) has been approved by the Minister of Finance and that a letter of non-objection has been received from the Nova Scotia Securities Commission. Shares are $100 each and are now available – contact information below.

CEDIFs are an increasingly popular tax-advantage investment model. Investors who purchase shares in the FarmWorks Community Economic Development Investment Fund (FarmWorks CEDIF) and who meet the criteria as set out in the Legislation are eligible to receive a personal 35% Nova Scotia non-refundable Tax Credit on taxes payable or paid (may be carried forwards 7 years and backward 3 years) and further Tax Credits of 20% and 10% at the 5 and 10 year investment anniversaries provided FarmWorks CEDIF meets certain conditions. Investments are eligible as an RRSP contribution. The shares are not traded on any stock exchange and their value is not materially affected by daily fluctuations in the stock market.

The Directors of FarmWorks are committed to promoting and providing strategic and responsible community investment in food production and distribution in order to increase access to a sustainable local food supply for all Nova Scotians. There is significant potential for food-related enterprises to contribute to Provincial economic output. Production of food creates jobs on farms and throughout the food system, increases food sufficiency, keeps money in Nova Scotia and provides economic stimulus to reinvigorate rural communities. In two years FarmWorks has already raised $449,500 and has loaned that money to 21 Nova Scotian businesses. There are many additional entrepreneurs seeking loans to help grow their businesses.

During the last 50 years foods procured from lower cost regions have displaced the bulk of local production. However, concerns about supply, cost, health, environment and other issues are bringing about a gradual reversal of that trend. But the loss of markets has decreased the capacity and capital required to provide increasing amounts of local food. Investment in farms and production is essential if significant gains are to be made. Investments in the FarmWorks CEDIF are being used to provide subordinated debt funding to sustainable farms and food-related businesses to help increase agricultural and related economic activity.

The Directors of FarmWorks Investment Co-operative Limited are Richard Melvin, Ann Anderson, Linda Best, Kris Keddy, Alison Scott Butler, Stephen Anderson, Alicia Lake, Chloe Kennedy and Joe MacEachern. The Directors seek advice on finance, agriculture, economic development, education, and health from professionals across the Province.

THIS CEDIF OFFERING IS MADE THROUGH AN OFFERING DOCUMENT, WHICH CAN BE OBTAINED FROM AN AUTHORIZED SALES AGENT OR FINDER, (LINDA BEST AT 902-542-3442,LBEST@NS.SYMPATICO.CA). THIS OFFERING CONSTITUTES AN EXEMPT OFFERING OF THESE SECURITIES ONLY IN NOVA SCOTIA BY AUTHORIZED SALES AGENTS. INVESTORS SHOULD READ THE OFFERING DOCUMENT BEFORE MAKING AN INVESTMENT DECISION.

For more information contact:

Linda Best, FarmWorks Investment Co-operative Limited www.FarmWorks.ca   lbest@ns.sympatico.ca 
Phone: (902)542-3442 or (902)670-3660

Thursday, January 23, Best Western Hotel, 527 Highway #10, Bridgewater, 7 pm
Tuesday, January 28, Seaport Farmers’ Market, Halifax, 7 pm
Wednesday, Jan 29, New Dawn Center for Social Innovation, Sydney, 7:30 pm
Friday, January 31, Big Spruce Brewery, Yankeetown Road, Nyanza, (no Dragons), 2 pm
Monday evening, February 3, Gabrieau’s – Hawthorn Room, Antigonish, 7 pm
Tuesday, February 4, The Stirling Room, 259 Main Street, Tatamagouche, 7 pm
Wednesday, February 5, Wandlyn Inn, 1539 Southampton Road, Amherst, 7 pm
Thursday, February 6, Gillespie House, 358 Main Street, Parrsboro, 7 pm
Monday, February 10, Irving Centre Auditorium, Wolfville, 7 pm
Tuesday, February 11, Meander River Farm, Ashdale, 7 pm
Wednesday, February 12, The Deanery Project, 37 Deanery Road, Ship Harbour, 7 pm
Tuesday, February 18, Lion and Bright, 2534 Agricola Street, Halifax, (no Dragons), 7 pm
Wednesday, February 19, Salle Père Maurice LeBlanc Theatre, Tusket, 5:30 pm
Thursday, February 20, Annapolis Royal Fire Hall, 5 Saint Anthony Street, 7 pm

 

 
Wednesday, February 26, Berwick Town Hall, 236 Commercial Street, Berwick, 7 pm 
 

Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development, Canadian Youth Business Foundation, Yarmouth County Vanguard, Farmers’ Markets of Nova Scotia, Acadia Entrepreneurship Centre, ACORN Grow a Farmer Program, Halifax Farmers’ Market, Weymouth Farmers Community Market, Argyle Farmers’ and Artisanal Market, Argyle Municipality, Friends of Agriculture in NS. 

If you have any questions, please email Linda Best or phone 902-542-3442. If you wish to submit an application please download the form at https://sandbox.farmworks.ca/about/lending/and email it to Linda Best – lbest@ns.sympatico.ca or fax it to 902-542-5812. Assistance with presentations, if desired, will be provided by the FarmWorks Board.

Field Guide

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Dan Vorstermans and Ceilidh Sutherland named their new small casual dining space the Field Guide Restaurant, inspired by Peterson Field Guides that Sutherland read while growing up in Tatamagouche. Field Guide is dedicated to bridging the gap between guests and their food through passionate service, an open-concept kitchen and by working with local producers who will be profiled on an ever-changing chalk board menu. Eating locally produced, high quality food makes sense so the menu will be a constant reflection of what is being grown and produced in Nova Scotia. They are creating an atmosphere and great food that will show guests that local products are truly fantastic.