Organic Farm Convention

Shannon Jones and her partner started Broadfork Farm about a year and a half ago.

They’ve both had farming experience and wanted to grow their own food without pesticides.

“I think people feel a real sense of security knowing the farm can provide a healthy environment for their community,” Jones said.

She says running a pesticide-free farm isn’t easy, but there are ways to control pests.

“We plant a lot of flowers that encourage beneficial insects that eat those pests and we want to create a more balanced eco-system,” she said.

Get weekly health news

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.

Sign up for weekly health newsletter Get Started

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

The Atlantic Canadian Organic Regional Network, or ACORN, wants to see more Atlantic farms like Broad Fork. Today, the network hosted its general annual meeting at Mount Allison University and entrepreneurship was high on their list.

“Usually we work with producers, but we really wanted to highlight what some our non-producers are doing to celebrate organic food,”  said Tegan Renner, ACORN’s New Brunswick Coordinator.

Despite declining farms in New Brunswick, Renner says organic food is in high demand.

“Increase the growing season and extend the growing season to meet the ever increasing global demand for organic products,” she said.

The group is also offering a mentorship program to train new organic farmers.

“They’re going to be able to learn about harvest management, planting seeds and everything,” said Lucia Stephen, ACORN’s Grow a Farmer Coordinator.

Back at Broadfork, Jones is confident organic food will continue to sell itself at markets.

“Everyone there seems to have similar values: health for themselves, their family and environmental stewardship,” she said.