Member Profile: Goldhawk Farm Granola
In the early days of the pandemic in 2020, Liane and Chris Goldhawk made the move to Nova Scotia, purchasing an abandoned Christmas tree farm on the Eastern Shore. With backgrounds in hospitality, they came looking for a fresh start in a place they would quickly come to love. In hopes of connecting with their new community, Liane began baking for local farmers’ markets, experimenting with various goods until one clear favourite emerged – her granola.
The recipe was one Liane grew up with, passed down from her grandmother. Sweet and chewy, it offers a welcome contrast to more traditional crunchy granolas. While the original recipe is made with honey, Liane soon recognized a demand for a vegan alternative, and developed a maple-based version as well. These two flavours quickly became hits, selling out consistently every week.
As demand grew, so did the business. A request from a local company to include her granola in their holiday gift baskets marked a turning point. With support and resources from agriculture organizations, Liane took the next steps to scale her business by refining her packaging and distributing the granola in nearby farm stores. By 2023, Goldhawk Farm Granola was officially in business.
Liane notes that the growth of Goldhawk wouldn’t have been possible without their community.
“I began using our farm stand as a testing ground, inviting those who stop by for fresh eggs to sample new batches of granola and provide honest feedback.” she explains.
By listening to that feedback, Liane and Chris began expanding their flavours to better meet a range of dietary needs, introducing options such as a nut-free Cocoaberry flavour for school-safe lunches, and a sugar-free blueberry version made with locally dried fruit for a low-sugar alternative.
Every bag is produced in their strictly gluten-free kitchen, reflecting the Goldhawks’ commitment to providing a safe and reliable option for those with dietary restrictions. Sustainability and local sourcing are also at the heart of their approach. They prioritize using Nova Scotian berries, source honey and maple syrup from local producers when possible, and even grow their own stevia on their property.
Looking ahead, Liane hopes to see Goldhawk Farm Granola onto the shelves of grocery chains, expanding their reach throughout Atlantic Canada. Through that growth, she aims to scale up the farm’s operations to a point where they can become an employer, providing jobs and stability to the community that first supported them.
As Goldhawk Farm Granola continues to grow, its roots remain grounded in quality, care, and community. Pick up a bag and experience a little bit of Grandma’s homemade love in every bite!