Join us in September at two incredible EFAO member farms just north of Toronto!

The day will start at County Left Farm where Angelina and Kyle have been growing high quality produce together since 2020. Participants will have the chance to see first-hand how their intensively-managed 1.5 acre area supplies enough produce for two Toronto-area farmers markets and a CSA program. They’ll share how thoughtful production planning, crop rotations, and strategic cover cropping help build soil fertility, improve productivity, and make the most of every square foot. Participants will also hear the story of securing a long-term lease in Rouge National Urban Park and about their vision for the farm’s future.

Following the visit at County Left Farm, participants will travel the short distance to It’s Giving Farm, where Ekow Stone, Fianna Dirks and their team will welcome us to their 7-acre farm at the northern edge of Rouge National Urban Park. Since establishing the farm in 2023, they’ve been growing diverse vegetables for two Toronto farmers’ markets while continuing to grow and build their ecological farming operation.

Through EFAO’s Farmer-Led Research Program, Ekow, Fianna, and their colleague Michelle have explored regional plant breeding and variety evaluation, asking how crops can be better adapted to local conditions, ecological farms and the communities they serve.

Participants should be able to see Michelle’s zinnia trial in full bloom and learn about her work with the East Coast multi-coloured carrot population through the Canadian Organic Vegetable Improvement Network (CANOVI). Depending on the season, there may be carrots to examine and taste. Ekow will also share a multi-year project to breed an early, productive and disease-resistant okra for Southern Ontario, with plants—and hopefully pods—to see.

Throughout the tour and visit, they’ll share how research fits into their farming practices, share some of their past and current trials, discuss lessons learned, and explore how farmer-led experimentation can support more resilient and productive ecological farms like theirs.

Agenda:

12:45pm – 1pm – Arrive to County Left Farm (5293 York Durham Line, Pickering)

1pm – 3pm – Tour and conversation at County Left Farm

3pm – 3:15pm – Travel to It’s Giving Farm (1469 Concession 2, Uxbridge)

3:15pm – 5:15pm – Tour and conversation at It’s Giving Farm

5:15pm – Departures