Program Overview

 

SCIENTIFIC SESSIONS

The Scientific Sessions & Chairs have been assigned as follows. Please review the descriptions below to learn more!

 

INDIGENOUS & NORTHERN HORTICULTURE

Chair: Dr. Emmanuelle D’Amours, Research Scientist in Northern and Indigenous Agriculture, AAFC | Emmanuelle.damours@agr.gc.ca

This session will focus on Northern and Indigenous practices, priorities and traditions in horticultural science. Session chair Dr. Emmanuelle D’Amours specialises in the integration of agroecological resilience and sustainable development practices into northern agricultural systems through co-development with local communities.

 

HORTICULTURE TECHNOLOGY

Chair: Dr. Vasantha Rupasinghe, Professor, Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University | vrupasinghe@dal.ca

This session will focus on technological innovations in horticulture from laboratory advances such as gene editing and high throughput phenomics to production strategies such as controlled environments, automation, and post-harvest handling. Session chair Dr. Vasantha Rupasinghe specialises in medicinal phytochemistry, value-added health foods, and postharvest technology of horticultural crops.

 

FRUITS

Co-Chair: Dr. Simone Castellarin, Professor, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia | simone.castellarin@ubc.ca

Co-Chair: Dr. Jayasankar Subramanian, Professor, Dept. Plant Agriculture, University of Guelph | jsubrama@uoguelph.ca

This session will focus on fruit crop plant biology, physiology, postharvest quality, and sustainable production practices. Session co-chairs Dr. Simone Castellarin and Dr. Jayasankar (Dr. Jay) Subramanian specialise in viticulture and grapevine physiology, and stone fruit breeding and genetics, respectively.

 

VEGETABLES

Chair: Dr. Raphel Ofoe, Postdoctoral Fellow, Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University | Raphael.ofoe@dal.ca

This session will vegetable crop plant biology, physiology, postharvest quality, and sustainable production practices. Session chair Dr. Raphael Ofoe specialises in horticultural plant physiology, nutrition and stress response.

 

CROP IMPROVEMENT

Co-Chair: Dr. Raphel Ofoe, Postdoctoral Fellow, Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University | Raphael.ofoe@dal.ca

Co-Chair: Dr. Jonathan Neilson, Research Scientist, Potato Health, AAFC | Jonathan.neilson@agr.gc.ca

This session will focus on scientific innovation related to horticultural crop breeding and genetics. Session co-chairs Dr. Raphael Ofoe and Dr. Jonathan Neilson specialise in potato production systems, and horticultural plant physiology, respectively.

Conference Scientific Chair: Dr. Lord Abbey, Professor, Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University | labbey@dal.ca

Schedule Outline

Wednesday, 17 June 2026

Local bus tour of the Nova Scotia Annapolis Valley horticultural sites, including lunch and wine tasting at a local winery. Tickets will be sold separately at $125 each. Maximum 60 people.

Welcome reception in the Acadia University Irving Centre Garden Room with hors d’oevres , live piano music and a cash bar. Your reception ticket is included in your registration fee.

Thursday, 18 June 2026

Opening ceremony with local First Nations celebrating the conference theme: Inclusive Canadian Horticulture from Coast to Coast to Coast.

Plenary session in the morning with 1-2 keynote speakers, followed by breakout scientific talks, a buffet lunch, additional talks and a poster session in the afternoon. The poster session will be open for student and community access; however, registration is required. The CSHS AGM will take place during lunch hour. Coffee, tea, and snacks will be served during morning and afternoon breaks.

There will be a student event in the evening to be announced. Dinner is on your own.

Friday, 19 June 2026

Plenary session in the morning with 1-2 keynote speakers, followed by breakout scientific talks, a buffet lunch, and additional talks in the afternoon. Coffee, tea, and snacks will be served during morning and afternoon breaks.

The Gala dinner and awards ceremony will be held in the evening in the Fountain Commons Great Hall at Acadia University. Your gala ticket is included in your registration fee. Additional tickets are available for purchase. There will be a cash bar.

Saturday, 20 June 2026

Plenary session in the morning with panels, workshops, and networking opportunities, followed by a closing ceremony. The Saturday sessions will be open for student and community access; however, registration is required. Coffee, tea, and snacks will be served during morning break. The conference will end at noon. Lunch is on your own.

Program book <-----PDF

Tentative Schedule  <-----PDF

Field Tour