Organic Campus

In early 2022 Acadia joined the national organic campus movement launching its campaign to become designated as the first Organic Campus in Canada by the Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA). After months of collaboration to establish the program, the certification was awarded to Acadia during Organic Week in September, 2022.

To achieve the Organic Campus designation, Acadia met a variety of criteria and commitments. These are just a few:

  • Offer at least 5 certified organic products on campus
  • Establish a steering committee with staff, faculty and students
  • Promote the program and educate the campus community about the benefits of organic food and farming

Learn more about the Organic Campus Program. 

Organic Campus Takeover

Organic Campus

On Wednesday March 23rd, 2022 Acadia hosted the national Organic Campus program launch in partnership with the Canada Organic Trade Association and Nature's Path Organics.  Throughout the day our partners took over Wheelock dining hall with an organic pop-up featuring new organic products for Acadia students to enjoy. Delicious Nature's Path Organics features included Cherry Pomegranate Toaster Pastries and Cacao Gluten Free Granola . Students also learned about the organic campus program, the benefits of going organic, won prizes, and helped Acadia celebrate the launch of the national program and Acadia's campaign to become the first Organic Campus in Canada.

Why Choose Organic?

Here are five reasons to choose organic:

  1. Organic food helps you avoid pesticide exposure.
  2. Organic keeps Genetically Engineered Organisms (GMOs) out of your food.
  3. Organic supports a healthier farm, lifestyle and community.
  4. Organic mitigates climate change.
  5. Organic promotes biodiversity.

There are even more reasons to choose organic - Learn about 21 reasons.

Certified Organic at Acadia

We offer numerous certified organic products at Acadia and many are local. Look for these companies and more in the dining hall and in retail locations around campus.

Suppliers

Organic Week

Each year Acadia will celebrate our commitment with events and activities to highlight organic food on campus. The inaugural event took place from September 12-18, 2022 with special events and promotions across campus.

Steering Committee

A committee of staff, faculty and students is responsible for the program at Acadia. Current members are:

Jodie Noiles, Sustainability Coordinator, Acadia Sustainability Office
Madalyn Higgins, Manager of Health, Wellness and Sustainability, Acadia Dining Services
Sustainability Officer, Acadia Students' Union
Student Rep. TBD
Mike Sutherland, Food and Retail Manager, Acadia Students' Union
Faculty Rep. TBD

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

Acadia was the first university in Canada to become a signatory to the SDG Accord. The institution is committed to aligning our activities with the UNSDGs. The Organic Campus Program helps meet a number of Sustainable Development Goals including Goal #12 Responsible Consumption & Production.  Organic purchasing supports sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources, increases sustainable procurement, and promotes sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature.