FEBRUARY IS APPLE MONTH … APPLE CRISP … ACORN 3-PART WEBINAR SERIES: INTRODUCTION TO THE COS … WOODSMEN COMPETITION FEATURES ACTION, DRAMA … WHAT A U.S. SATELLITE WILL TELL CANADIANS ABOUT THE GROUND BENEATH THEIR FEET … BUSINESS EXCELLENCE ESSENTIALS FOR FARMERS’ MARKET VENDORS … OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

FEBRUARY IS APPLE MONTH
Source: Select Nova Scotia
February is Apple Month in Nova Scotia – a month-long celebration of a fruit that’s been a staple of Nova Scotian agriculture since the first Acadian settlers brought them to our province in the 1600s. English Planters brought new varieties in the 1700s, and the rest as they say, is history. Today, more than 40 varieties of apples are grown in the province. And did you know that many varieties of Nova Scotian apples are a more brilliant red color than apples from other climates? We can thank our sunny fall days and cool nights for that. (read more)

APPLE CRISP
Source: AtlanticFarmer.com
6 Cortland apples
1/2 cup flour
1 1/2 cups rolled oats (not instant)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup melted butter
lemon or lime juice
cinnamon
dates, raisins, dried cranberries or cherries, optional
nuts, coconut, optional

Core, peel, and cut the apples into uniform slices. Put the apples in a buttered two-quart baking dish. Squeeze some lemon or lime juice over the apples. Add dried fruit to taste to the apples, if desired. Combine the flour, rolled oats, sugar, and cinnamon, and mix in the butter. Mix in one-half cup each chopped or sliced nuts and unsweetened coconut, if desired. Pour the topping over the apples and pat very gently to cover fruit to the edges of the dish. Bake at 350°F. Cover the dish with a lid or foil if the topping browns too quickly. After about half and hour, check with a sharp knife or cake tester to be sure the apples in the centre of the dish are soft. Let cool, and eat with yogurt, ice cream, whipped cream, or plain.

ACORN 3-PART WEBINAR SERIES: INTRODUCTION TO THE COS
Source: ACORN
Understanding the Canadian Organic Standards (COS) is a requirement of organic certification. As these Standards are currently under review, understanding the format and content and including your voice in the review process is more vital than ever! ACORN is pleased to present experts from across Canada for an introductory overview of the Canadian Organic Standards. (read more)

WOODSMEN COMPETITION FEATURES ACTION, DRAMA
Source: Dalhousie Faculty of Agriculture
It’s always been said the only things certain in life are death and taxes. You can add “being entertained at the 30th annual Rick Russell Woodsmen Competition” to the list. With 14 events on the schedule Feb. 7 at McMillan Show Centre, there’s bound to be something that appeals to everyone. Action gets underway at 8 am and runs until 5 pm. Admission is $5 and children under 12 are free. (read more)

WHAT A U.S. SATELLITE WILL TELL CANADIANS ABOUT THE GROUND BENEATH THEIR FEET
Source: The Globe and Mail
Looking at dirt may not seem like the height of excitement, but the imminent launch of a U.S. satellite designed to do just that has scientists across Canada eagerly lining up for a glimpse of the data. Dubbed SMAP, the nearly $1-billion (U.S.) spacecraft will be the first to circle the globe while focusing on one simply stated question: How much moisture is in the soil? (read more)

BUSINESS EXCELLENCE ESSENTIALS FOR FARMERS’ MARKET VENDORS
Source: NSEF
Deepen professional business skills in order to create a thriving business that reflects your personal values, meets your financial goals, contributes to your community and strengthens the farmers’ market sector for the good of all. This 40-hour training program requires a minimum of 80 percent attendance. Instructor is Michelle Wolf, and the program will be held in Welsford (Valley), 9:30am - 4:30pm, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and April 27 (postponed from February). (read more)