In Good Hands 2026 ACORN Conference

ACORN Conference 2026: In Good Hands 

Our theme this year celebrates the fact that through our shared knowledge and care, we keep our land and food webs thriving and in good hands.

We welcome you to join us for two full days of learning, connection, and inspiration — whether you’re a homesteader, a market gardener, a seasoned producer, or simply someone who believes in good food grown with care.

Across three learning streams plus community sessions and a trade show, you’ll find something for every level of experience. A few highlights include:

Soil-Centered Practices

From cover cropping and crop rotations to livestock integration and reducing inputs, you’ll hear from leaders and innovators in soil health.

Vegetable Growing & Perennial Food Production

Growers big and small can dive into sessions on cold-climate growing, seed production, working with restaurants, practical pest discussions, on-farm nurseries, blueberries, and more — including hands-on farmer-to-farmer conversations.

Livestock & Rotational Grazing

Dig into rotational grazing fundamentals, explore tree fodder and leaf forage for ruminants, and learn about organic sheep production, predator pressure, parasites, and pasture management.

Community, Land, and Movement Building

Discuss community land trusts, sector advocacy,  and how we build a stronger, more equitable organic movement in our region.

Local Food & Marketing

Whether you sell casually via farmgate or manage a multi-acre operation, marketing matters. Sessions on wholesale readiness, scaling up, distributor perspectives, and diversifying your markets offer practical tools for any grower or food entrepreneur.

Plus: Meals, Music, and Meaningful Connection

Shared meals, hallway conversations, and a Cape-Breton style square dance make this a warm winter recharge for those leading our local food movement.

Seed Sharing Space

Our friends at the Bauta Family Initiative on Canadian Seed Security will be helping to run a seed swapping station! Bring some seeds to share, and stop by to find some new favourites.

Lodging

A block of rooms has been reserved at the Inn on Prince. Single and double occupancy rate is $150 +tax. You can book by via this Booking Link or by calling the front desk at (902) 895-1651 and requesting a room under the Nova Scotia ACORN Conference. This rate available until January 16

Family Room

Thinking of bringing the kids? Great! Just let us know on your ticket form so we can plan ahead. We’ll offer an unstaffed family/kids breakout space, with optional opportunities to volunteer.

Yoga & Movement for Growers

We're be hosting a stretching session on the morning of Day 2. Bring comfy clothes & a mat if you'd like to join!

Meals

Please note: lunch on Day 1 is bring-your-own. There will be time to go offsite if you’d prefer to purchase lunch nearby. 

The evening includes a banquet and lunch on day 2 is provided. We’ll have coffee & tea breaks and available throughout the day. 

Code of Conduct: Our Commitment
By attending, we agree to be accountable:

• Acknowledge the impact of our words and actions

• Listen actively and respectfully

• Take responsibility for mistakes and learn from them

• Support an inclusive and welcoming community