Staff & Board

Justin Cantafio is anchored by a steadfast belief in the power of small-scale, community-based businesses to build truly sustainable social and economic development. It’s what drove him to spend his master’s degree living and working on ten organic farms from Quebec to the Pacific Coast. He’s since helped with managing Atlantic Canada’s first sustainable seafood subscription program through Off the Hook Community Supported Fishery, worked with the Ecology Action Centre to spearhead a Canada-wide program to promote locally-sourced food in schools, universities, and hospitals, and connected small-scale fishers and aquaculturalists with high-value markets across Nova Scotia and beyond with Halifax’s Afishionado Fishmongers. When he’s not crafting up ideas to re-localize our economy and promote local businesses, you might find Justin running in the woods, cooking up big hearty meals with friends, or relaxing in his tiny cabin by the sea.

Rachael Browne is originally from Australia and moved to the Annapolis County in December 2020. She took on the task of Manager at the Annapolis Royal Farmers and Traders Market at the start of the 2021 season. Not a stranger to growing food or farmers markets, Rachael has spent the majority of her life travelling the world and has always had a great appreciation for supporting local in the places that she visits. Filled with ideas on how she can make a difference in the world, Rachael is very excited to be on the board to support farmers’ markets throughout Nova Scotia.

Therese Cruz’s desire to foster community spirit while promoting local artisans and producers is what motivated her to become involved in the organizing and setup of markets. Born and raised in Manila, Philippines, then immigrating to Toronto, Ontario, has given her a unique perspective on food accessibility and security, as well as the various cultural relationships surrounding food. She has over 15 years of experience in the food service and retail industries, and that helps her create a well-curated experience as a Director of the Shelburne Guild Hall Market. She also is a jewellery artist which enables her to understand how much markets are vital to thriving communities by supporting small businesses and keeping local economies going. As a witness to how a farmers’ market can change the dynamic of a community in a positive way, Therese would like to continue to play an active role in that, in a much broader scale through the FMNS.

Mamadou Wade, born in Ohio with Senegalese roots, relocated to Halifax with his family at the age of 11. Community and connection have played a significant role in his life, fostering adaptability to new environments. As a graduate of the University of Toronto, he believes that education, whether formal or informal, is a powerful tool, providing avenues for new opportunities and perspectives.

Throughout his professional journey, Mamadou has collaborated with various community-focused organizations, working towards economic development and food security for underserved groups. He deeply values community bonds and advocates for their preservation, particularly for the youth.

Outside of work, Mamadou indulges in creative outlets, prioritizing physical activity, and has a deep passion for food.

Emily Lawrence combines artistry with marketing and culinary experience and bakes it at 350 degrees. Raised working in her family’s bakery, she’s always been passionate about the connection between food, craft and community. Emily has worked as a promotions specialist and content creator for a variety of food and craft based businesses and organizations. As an artist and maker, she has an affinity for the visual language of marketing through photography and digital storytelling. In her spare time, Emily can be found baking cakes and growing flowers.

Aubrey has recently relocated to Nova Scotia from B.C. and was raised in a small town in the Niagara Region, Ontario.

Aubrey fell in love with gardening and growing food through her interest in horticulture therapy and has spent time growing and learning in community and therapeutic gardens, small organic farms and larger farms across Canada and abroad.

With a passion for creating inclusive spaces and building community, Aubrey specializes in designing programs and workshops that blend nature, food and well being. Aubrey brings years of knowledge in community engagement, non-profits, and unique experience reconnecting people with plants in the housing sector.

In her spare time, you’ll find Aubrey learning to surf, practicing yoga or lost in a new book.

Ashley Marlin has managed farmers’ markets on the South Shore of Nova Scotia since 2009. She brings experience working with local producers, artisans, not-for- profit groups, volunteers, students, and government. She has previously served on the board of Farmers’ Markets of Nova Scotia for six years as secretary and president. She has a Bachelor of Science degree from Saint Mary’s University in biology and environmental studies. She is passionate about a strong sustainable local economy.

Cam MacKay came into her role as Executive Director of the Truro Farmers’ Market Cooperative in March of 2023 after having been involved in
managing and steering many local non-profit organizations throughout Colchester & Cumberland Counties.

Outside of her work, Cameron has been involved in provincial and federal politics, and in addition to the FMNS Board, also serves on the Boards of the Ships
Company Theatre in Parrsboro, and the Board of Trustees for the Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia.

She is a lifelong resident of rural Colchester County, having been brought up there, leaving to attend Dalhousie, and moving back after her studies. Cam
shares a love of all things agriculture, having grown up involved in 4-H, and has been a lifelong equestrian. She now splits her time between Truro and Chester.