NS Organic Farmers

• PEI Farmers
• New Brunswick Farmers
• Angelhoeve Organic Farm - Come visit this old fashioned mixed farm located in Canning.
• Boulangerie La Vendeenne - Try their fresh organic breads at various locations throughout the province.
• Bruce Family Farm - A mixed farm that has been in the family for generations.
• Casson Family Farm - This vegetable farm, located in Tatamagouche, is a great place to visit
• Dancing Lady Farm - A garlic lovers dream farm.
• Farmer John’s Herbs - This organic processor packs a lot of spice into its business.
• Glenryan Farms - This mixed farm can be found on the South West Margaree River in Cape Breton.
• Katie’s Farm and Organic Dog Bakery - Dogs deserve organic too!
• Oakhaven Organic Farm - Try delicious organic granola and fresh bread in Granville Ferry.
• Oakmanor Farm - You can find this mixed farm in Hants County.
• Orville Pulsifer - A passion for organic wild blueberries.
• Suprima Farms - Come visit this Kyoto friendly orchard, located in Sheffield Mills.
• Three J’s Wild Blueberry Farm - In Tiverton you can find Three J’S and their wild blueberries.
• Tucker Meadow Farm - Their goat cheese and yoghurt are available at various locations around the province.

Bruce Family Farms

Bruce Family Farms is located in Bridgetown, Nova Scotia, and is run by Danny Bruce and Sandie Troop. The farm has been in the family for hundreds of years, since Danny’s ancestors moved there in 1788 and they are now the 6^th generation to farm this land. The farm consists of a large woodlot and about 150 acres of pasture and hayland.

“We try to be very self-sufficient at our farm. We grow as much of the feed as possible that our animals consume, and we try to do all the work - from birthing to butchering - by ourselves,” says Danny. He also explains that the farm’s family history, and the fact that they direct market most of their produce make them unique.

At Bruce Family Farm, the main focus is on organic beef, but they produce some other smaller items: Sandie makes jam with their organic fruit, and they grow vegetables, if the season permits. They also have a few egg-layers and grow the grain to feed them. Most of their products are sold at the Wolfville and Halifax farmers markets, and the Annapolis Royal Farmers and Trader’s Market; however, some are available in health food stores.

“I see it as a way to keep me alive; we’re all concerned about our health and we want a better future,” Danny explained about his reasons for choosing to farm organically. Danny had always sold drug-free beef and never wanted to spray or use chemicals, but he also saw organics as a way to generate greater farm income. Being certified allows people who don’t know the farm to be assured of their standards and this means something to consumers, particularly those with health concerns or who are chemically sensitive.

Bruce Family Farms has been certified since 1996 with Nova Scotia Organic Growers Association, which Danny likes because it is small and local. This allows members “to have a feeling that they have direct input into the organization and to deal head-on with issues that affect them”. Danny also likes that the consumer can be a member of NSOGA, as they can provide their views and input.

Labor is the biggest challenge at Bruce Family Farms - It’s hard to find people that want physical work at a rate farmers can afford to pay. It is also a challenge to comply to government regulations, as there is more and more paperwork and costs, which leaves less time to do the actual farming.

Despite the challenges, Danny believes that there is definitely a future in organic farming and would like to see the 7^th generation continue their farm. “Once more people realize what goes into food production, there will be more demand for organic food.” says Danny. He feels that people need to become more educated about what they are eating, and hopes that the financial situation of farming will improve so that Canadian farmers will be able to provide healthy food for the population of Canada.

Bruce Family Farms belongs to WWOOF (www.wwoof.ca) and anyone who is interested in apprenticeship or working on an organic farm is encouraged to contact them directly.