There is no single path into farming. Join EFAO for a two-site field day with Brilliant Meadows and SARN Farms to explore what helps small-scale ecological farms take root, adapt, and thrive over time.

The day will begin at Brilliant Meadows, where participants will tour a regenerative mixed farm producing pasture-raised meats and Chinese diaspora vegetables in the rolling hills of Mono. The tour will offer a practical look at livestock integration, adapting seeds for the Ontario climate, market gardening, farm infrastructure, climate-minded practices, and the work of building a farm ecosystem over time.

After lunch, participants will travel to SARN Farms’ latest growing site at Whole Village Eco Farm in Caledon. Arnest will share how he is expanding from urban farming at Downsview Park into an additional shared-land site, adding more root vegetables, diversifying the farm’s offerings, and building new possibilities for his farm business.

Participants have the opportunity to take part in a hands-on group work bee and then gather for a facilitated conversation and workshop. Drawing on the different pathways of Brilliant Meadows and SARN Farms, we’ll explore what practical supports help farmers get established, grow carefully, stay on the land, and build stronger local food economies.

This field day is open to farmers, aspiring farmers, and anyone interested in new farmer pathways, land access, community food systems, culturally meaningful crops, regenerative farming, urban agriculture, shared farming spaces, and the future of small-scale ecological farming.

Participants can take part in one or both farm tours. Entry to the Brilliant Meadows portion includes lunch. Please note that there is approximately 30–35 minutes of travel between Brilliant Meadows and Whole Village Eco Farm, and participants will need to arrange their own transportation between sites. Please come prepared with closed-toe shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, sun protection, a water bottle, and work gloves if you would like to join the work bee.

SCHEDULE

10:00AM – Arrival and welcome at Brilliant Meadows Farm

10:15AM to 11:45AM – Farm tour with Brilliant Meadows

11:45AM to 12:30PM – Lunch provided at Brilliant Meadows Farm

12:30PM to 1:15PM – Travel to Whole Village Eco Farm

1:15PM to 2:15PM – Tour of SARN Farms at the Whole Village site

2:15PM to 2:45PM – Hands-on group work bee

2:45PM to 3:45PM – Facilitated conversation and workshop: From land access to long-term farm viability

3:45PM to 4:00PM – Group reflection and key takeaways: What should EFAO and its members bring into future advocacy?

4:00PM – Closing and departures