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NSAC Chef’s Garden set to Grow!
Nova Scotia Agricultural College will soon be providing seasonal and storage crops for consumption at its on-campus dining facility through the development of a two-acre, on-site organic demonstration farm.
The concept, developed by a fourth year Environmental Sciences student Meghan Summers, will see the organic farm serve as a tool for promoting and demonstrating sustainable farming practices and local food systems to the NSAC community and beyond.
“The Chef's Garden presents a wonderful opportunity for students to learn about small-scale food production and to participate in producing food they will consume,” said Associate Vice President for Students, Keltie Jones. “Chartwells, our food service provider,has been a wonderful partner in this process, providing information about their produce needs as well as encouragement and financial support.”
Through this project, the university hopes to provide greater hands-on learning experiences for its students and demonstrate the value of consuming locally produced food.
"We're proud to see our students making a difference on campus and contributing to a healthy, sustainable, campus community,” said NSAC Co-President Dr. Leslie MacLaren. “It is these kinds of student leaders who will continue to be agents for change throughout their lives both personally and professionally.”
With ten selected crops, a multi-stakeholder group led by Dr. Andy Hammermeister, director of the Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada, will act as a steering committee, overseeing farm operations, a full-time seasonal farm manager and ensure integration into course curriculum.
“We, at Chartwells are very excited that NSAC students are moving forward in creating their own garden in which students can eat vegetables grown by students,” said Andy Murray, District Manager Chartwells College & Universities. “It makes us proud to support this project and makes us proud to serve as much local produce as possible. Buying and eating “local” is an important focus within our Sustainable Purchasing program at Chartwells.”
This is not the first time a student-led initiative has been developed on campus. Bachelor of Technology student Michele McAloon was instrumental in designing the university’s Amphitheatre in celebration of its centennial in 2005.
NSAC is a specialized university that cultivates learning and research, focusing on improving and sustaining our environment for the health and well-being of society.
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