What is Les Cocagnes?
“Les Cocagnes is a nonprofit organization that serves the farming community by providing land access to various agricultural businesses,” explains Stéphanie Hinton, founder and director of the project.
“This mission is made possible by our dinners and events, which are open to citizens so they can support the project,” she goes on to say.
Offering Local Food From Farm to Table
Each season, the organization opens for approximately 15 weekends to serve meals prepared in close partnership by guest chefs from the region or elsewhere and many farm producers. Its unique menu is carefully curated from homegrown seasonal products.
What makes the evening even more magical is the ephemeral aspect—not one dinner is the same. It’s the epitome of local culinary creativity, in a sense. The organization also serves local wine, cider and spirits to support another segment of the Eastern Townships economy. Much more than a traditional country dining experience, the project offers a shared space to showcase an entire region’s agricultural know-how.
Why Are On-Farm Dinners So Popular?
In a world with limited access to nature and the land, not everyone has the opportunity to see fireflies and admire the sunset or the mist over a valley.
“Our project is not intended to offer five-star cuisine, nor does it claim to do so. Rather, it offers an authentic immersion into the world of farming,” Stéphanie Hinton explains.
“We want to go beyond the transactional relationship between farmers and customers. Instead of a product, we provide a shared experience,” she adds.
Above all, Les Cocagnes is a place where local food enthusiasts can gather and cooperate toward a common cause: sharing the love for local agriculture and regional products.