growing cabbages.

Local Food Systems Work

The Ecology Action Centre Food Team works to build the health, stability, and resilience of regional food systems in partnership with all levels of government and Indigenous communities. In this work, we hope to address the root causes of food insecurity and to enfranchise communities to grow, process and distribute their own food.  

As a member of the Atlantic Canada Food Systems Recovery Vision, we work alongside producers, networks, industry associations, and advocates to progress a common vision of how our food systems can help to create just, equitable, and prosperous futures for all. You can review our 10 food systems priorities for Atlantic Canada’s COVID-19 Recovery here: https://www.atlanticfoodvision.ca 

Growing at Home: Nova Scotia Local Food and Agriculture Report

the cover of Growing At Home

Published in June 2025, Growing at Home calls for urgent and coordinated efforts to address serious challenges faced by Nova Scotia's food and agricultural systems. The report paints a sobering picture of the sector's vulnerabilities, while highlighting opportunities for government investment and cross-sectoral collaboration.

The report highlights that the rate of local food consumption in the province is low, hovering at around 14 per cent for the last decade, despite overall food expenditures increasing year over year. Declining farmland, an aging workforce and unstable farm incomes are key concerns for producers. These concerning trends indicate the need for coordinated strategy and partnership across the food system to support producers and a strong local food system and economy. Read the full report here.

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