FarmWorks Investment Co-operative Limited
Healthy Farms, Healthy Food
In January and February there will be Entrepreneur Showcases across Nova Scotia. FarmWorks “Gentle Dragons” will ask questions of people who present their plans for producing more food in Nova Scotia, and everyone is invited to attend these sessions to hear about fine people with plans to increase the supply of great Nova Scotian food. Two sessions are already arranged:
The “Gentle Dragons” are Looking for Food, so “All Hands in the Dirt”
Help the dragons find food at Salle Père Maurice LeBlanc Theatre, Tusket
Wednesday, January 22, 5:30 pm
No charge – please join us!
Enjoy local food and conversation,
Hear from local food producers, learn about FarmWorks and other organizations.
Sponsored by FarmWorks Investment Co-operative limited
Pie r Squared:Harvest Cream Soup with Fresh Basil Quark, Roasted Red Pepper Pesto and Chorizo Sausage Pizza, both Gluten Free
Big Spruce Brewery & Eatery:Cereal Killer Oatmeal Stout, Kitchen Party Pale Ale, Bitter Get’er India Black IPA
Kingsville Farm: Black Boar Sausages
Haven Coffeebar:Chocolate Espresso Brownies, Cape Breton Blueberry Scones, Wheat-Free Double Chocolate Cookies
Stewart’s Organic Farm:Apple Fizzle – Fresh Cider Lightly Carbonated for an Extra Zip
Oakview Farm:Cortland and Golden Delicious Apples
Flying Apron Cookery:Roast Pig with Flying Apron Sweet and Spicy Barbeque Sauce with Julien’s Bakery Rolls
Meander River FarmandGarrison Brewing: 3 Fields Harvest Beer, Tall Ships Beer
Valley Flaxflour:Gluten Free Waffle with Oakview Apple Slivers Poached in Maple Cream
Charcuterie Ratinaud French Cuisine:Country Pâté, Coppa, Saucisson Sec, Duck Prosciutto, Chutney, Pickles
Wandering Shepherd Cheese: Lauchie’s Tomme, Salmon River Blue, Caora Caise
Rocky Top Farm:Slow Roasted Lamb with Mint Sauce, Quiche Lorraine with Bacon and Onions, Beef Kebobs with Homemade Blue Cheese Sauce
Helen B’s Preserves:Nova Scotia in a Jar! Family Inspired Jams, Jellies, Pickles, Relish, Chutney & Preserves
Local Source Market & Catering: Fall Vegetable Ratatouille Stuffed Crêpes with Ran Cher Chêvre, Sun Gold Tomato & Basil Reduction
Vincent Food Dressings:Potato Salad made with Garlico and Burger Bomb Food Dressings
Gold Island Bakery:100% Rye Bread with Our Honey and Cultured Butter, Kamut Loaf with Seared Pear and Wandering Shepherd Blue Cheese
Good Lake Farm:Highland Beef
Field Guide Restaurant:Smoked Mackerel Deviled Eggs
Other Participants:
Just Us Coffee Roasters: Coffee and Tea
East Coast Organic Milk: Milk
Terra Beata Farms:Blueberry, Cherry, Cranberry Juice and Winter Salad
The Wooden Monkey:Chocolate Silken Tofu Pie
Noggins Corner Market: Sampling Noggins Foods
Information Booths: Fenol Farms, Farmers’ Markets of Nova Scotia, Clean Nova Scotia, ACORN, QEII Common Roots Garden, Select Nova Scotia
The time is ripe to re-energize the entrepreneurial spirit that historically characterized Atlantic Canadians.
From the successes of early settlers to the accomplishments of individuals today, from entrepreneurs in small communities to urban farmers, from engaged kids to senior volunteers, there are multitudes of examples of Atlantic spirit. Maybe it’s the ocean around us, maybe the food we grow, the distances that make us self-reliant but neighborly, the friend and family connections: these and many other elements inspire engagement and innovation and enterprise.
Perhaps some of us have lost sight of our abilities, perhaps we’ve become a bit too dependent on external solutions, but we all know lots of people whose knowledge, foresight and determination has created solutions that have worked locally and globally. We know how to “get ‘er done”.
FarmWorks is one of those solutions. Investment of local money in farmers and food producers is providing the conditions for enterprising food entrepreneurs to increase production, ensuring sustainability and the availability of increasing amounts of good food for citizens.
Georgetown reminded everyone that the spirit needs nurturing and each of us is in the right place at the right time to do that. Let’s emulate Pam Mood, Mayor of Yarmouth, who asked for and got “All Hands on Deck”.
Charcuterie Ratinaud French Cuisine is wowing customers with cured meats, cheeses and pâtés, prepared dishes and cheeses, conserves and other accompaniments. Frederic Tandy was born in France and grew up eating his grandparent’s paté de campagne or country paté. Now he makes his own patés and other charcuterie, including sausages and more. Frederic’s food is inspired by the seasons and what’s available locally. Twice monthly, sold out Ratinaud Kitchen Table Dinners provide people with the opportunity to watch the preparation and enjoy an authentic French meal. Guests see more of the shop and kitchen and interact with the Chef in a way that’s not possible in most restaurants.
Helen B’s Preserves is a family operated business that has established and maintained a reputable label in Nova Scotia’s Farm Market culture for nearly two decades. Helen and David Bishop of Truro, Nova Scotia started crafting up these jars of joy in their very own kitchen over 15 years ago, with the heartfelt sentiment “From Our Kitchen to Yours,” ensuring consumers quality, homemade products for you and your family. Expanding from Truro, to the Annapolis Valley, South Shore and now Halifax, these delectable products are made with Nova Scotian ingredients. We’re happy to put tradition back on the table. Thanks to all of the Helen B’s fans for continuing to support us over the years!
Shares With Edible and Financial Benefits
$361,400 was invested by Shareholders the Fifth Offer for a total of $1,395,000
The money previously invested is currently supporting 55 food-related businesses with more to come, and monthly repayments are being added to the capital available for loans. Money is loaned at 6% for one to five year terms and is having a positive effect on farm and food-related businesses. Applications are processed as described on the Lending Page.
If you are interested in learning about FarmWorks please contact: Linda Best (542-3442, 670-3660, lbest@ns.sympatico.ca)
