ACORN Wins Top Prize

On June 6, ACORN was awarded a $10,000 prize from Stonyfield’s Profit for the Planet fund for our Meet Your Farmer bike tour initiative. Out of the more than eighty applicants, ACORN’s idea topped the list, proving the project to be worthy of much excitement.

MEET YOUR FARMER Bike Tours – we’re on our way!

This generous grant has made it possible for ACORN to take keen cyclists through our rural landscapes and help promote organic agriculture by connecting people with their farmers. The goal is to build understanding and lasting relationships between consumers and their farmers in a fun, inspiring way.

“We’re very excited about this project, especially as it benefits both the farming community and general public. The tours will be a fun way to get families outside and to learn more about where food comes from and what organic really means,” says ACORN Executive Director, Beth McMahon.

These one-day long tours–one for each Maritime province–will showcase a diversity of organic farms and agricultural initiatives, and will include delicious food samplings and guided tours. The bike routes will be easy-going, ranging between 11 – 20km with gradual hills and occasional gravel.

The tour in Nova Scotia has been planned for Sunday, August 7^th in East Hants County. The 11km ride will take cyclists through the village of Summerville, with guided tours of Rupert Jannasch’s Ironwood Farm and Jamie Cornetta’s Oak Manor Farm, whose bounty of fresh fruit and veggies will be at their peak. The ride will finish at Harmony Park and the Dr. Arthur Hines School (and school veggie gardens), for the first Incredible Picnic of the season! Following the picnic, participants will also have the opportunity to visit Charlotte Harper’s Horse and Garden Farm near Windsor, NS.

The equally exciting New Brunswick tour, taking place in Bouchtouche County on Saturday, August 13^th, will be a 13km ride right near the ocean. Stops will include Alyson Chisholm and Will Pedersen’s Windy Hill Farm and Carson and Nicole Edwards’ Dune View Inn. There will be a visit to the Bouctouche Farmer’s Market and a swimming stop along the way.

The PEI tour is still in the development phase, but is being planned for Sunday, September 4^th, coinciding with the 3^rd annual Nigwek Organic Celebration in Charlottetown.

Each of these events will be full days of beautiful scenery, organic farms, local food, and easy-going bike rides. Join ACORN and local organic farmers for this memorable summertime experience. For more information or to register, visit www.farmbiketours.com or call 1-866-322-2676 and ask for Erin. Pre-registration is required, and limited to 50 people per day. Cost is $20/person or $50/family.