Friends of Agriculture in Nova Scotia (FANS), a coalition of farmers, public policy advocates, ecologists, and other concerned citizens, will be presenting the Nova Scotia Food Summit 2009 – Securing Food for Our Healthy Future, October 18th to 20th at the Old Orchard Inn, Greenwich, Nova Scotia. Everyone who has an occupational or individual interest in any aspect of food is invited to participate. We are what we eat, and the food system connects us as citizens, communities, and as stewards of the earth. Our food is the very fabric of our lives. It affects our health, our children’s health, the economy, biodiversity, the climate, air, water, and soil, the health of our open spaces and our cities – food is our life and our livelihood and connects us with the natural world. 

The Nova Scotia Food Summit 2009 will bring together citizens and leaders from across the Province to increase knowledge about, and support for, a sustainable local food system to provide healthy food for all people for all time regardless of income level or location. Linda Best, spokesperson for FANS, explains that the Summit will inform Nova Scotians about issues relating to food supply and security: “Insuring access to a safe, secure, sustainable, and local food supply for present and future generations of Nova Scotians is of critical importance.” Currently in Nova Scotia the agricultural base is eroding and many people are food insecure.

The Nova Scotia Food Summit will provide the opportunity for discussion and analysis of the many issues affecting our food, health, economic prosperity, and many other aspects of life. Outstanding speakers will engage with Summit participants in discussion and analysis of all aspects of agriculture, fisheries, food, nutrition, health, education, justice, sustainability, environment, and trends shaping the current and future food system.

The goals of the Summit are to:

•    Present focused information that will increase all participants’ knowledge and understanding of all parts of the food system.
•    Facilitate discussion between citizens and leaders from all sectors.
•    Disseminate written reports on the information presented and the discussions and outcomes of the Summit to foster wide support for a more robust and sustainable local food system.
•    Provide the impetus for the formation of an all-stakeholder Food Policy Council.      

Specific topics that will be examined in plenary panels:
•    Providers of Food
•    Food Security
•    Food and Health
•    Food and the Environment
•    Knowledge and Skills
•    Sustainable Local Food
•    The Way Forward
•    Putting the Pieces Together to Build the Food System We Need

Several of the sub-topics that will be addressed across panels:
•    food in the future
•    distribution systems
•    school initiatives
•    safety
•    labelling, source identification, regulations
•    new farmers’ programs
•    farmers markets, farm sales
•    climate change effects on agriculture

Presentation of the Spirit Nova Scotia Local Food Awards will take place at the Summit.

On Sunday evening the October Flavours Dinner will celebrate the food and beverages of Nova Scotia. Ten local chefs will present hors d'oeuvres and desserts, and Chef Joe Gillis of the Old Orchard Inn will present the main course. Following the guest speaker there will be music for mingling in the Fireside Lounge.

Following the sessions on Monday, participants will have a choice of Local Tours followed by dinner at local restaurants. There will be after-dinner entertainment at the Old Orchard Inn. 

For more detailed information, including the event schedule, costs and registration form, visit the Summit website.  Registration and payment may also be made through the Old Orchard Inn by VISA or MasterCard, 1-800-561-8090 or online. 

For further information, please contact: Linda Best 902-542-3442, cell 902-670-3660, This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

The Ecology Action Centre Sunshine Award is given to a group or an individual who has made a particularly effective effort in an environmental issue in Nova Scotia during the prior year.

This year, Linda Best and Friends of Agriculture in NS (FANS) were nominated for this award.

"Linda Best started FANS after spearheading the organization of the Wolfville area Incredible Picnic last fall. Since then FANS has brought together the Federation of Agriculture, local politicians, citizens, farmers, and other food businesses to move forward in relocalizing our food system, establishing a Food Policy Council, and advocating for ecological and economically viable farming. They also organized a highly successful April Flavours celebration dinner in April to feature the great taste of locally-available food in the spring (it sold out a month ahead, and 350 people attended). They are planning a public meeting on Investing Close to Home in June, and another feast and Food Summit in the fall. They have also made the future of agriculture an election issue. Linda Best is tireless in her efforts to connect people, move forward on issues, and take a positive stand wherever possible." (EAC)