About - EFAO

The Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario (EFAO) supports farmers to build resilient ecological farms and grow a strong knowledge-sharing community.

Established in 1979 by farmers for farmers, EFAO is a membership organization that focuses on farmer-led education, research and community building. EFAO brings farmers together so they can learn from each other and improve the health of their soils, crops, livestock and the environment, to steward resilient ecological farms.

EDUCATION

Through farmer-to-farmer training and networking opportunities, EFAO supports farmers to build resilient ecological farms while helping to create a community among members.

Year-round training

Field days, workshops, online meet-ups and webinars on a broad range of topics for farmers of all scales, types and experience levels.
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Farmer-to-farmer knowledge sharing

EFAO's quarterly print magazine, research library, and member directory offer opportunities for farmers to learn from one another. Learn More >

EFAO Conference

An annual event that draws farmers and supporters from across the food system for learning, idea-sharing, networking and celebration.
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RESEARCH

By supporting farmer-led research, EFAO empowers farmers to generate and share practical knowledge and innovations that advance our understanding of ecological, organic and regenerative farming.

Farmer-Led Research

Farmer-led research helps farmers combine curiosity with rigour to answer their most challenging on-farm questions. EFAO provides technical, financial and logistical support. Learn More >

Small Grains

EFAO's Small Grains Program aims to help farmers diversify their crop rotations by supporting them to incorporate small grains.
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Seed Security

The Bauta Family Initiative on Canadian Seed Security is a national program advancing resilient seed systems across Canada. EFAO is proud to support Bauta's work in Ontario. Learn More >

We envision an Ontario where thriving ecological farms are the foundation of our food system, and where agriculture protects our resources, increases biodiversity, mitigates climate change, and cultivates resilient, diverse, equitable communities.

What is Ecological Agriculture?

Regenerative, organic and other holistic practices that improve soil health, protect vital resources such as water and biodiversity, reduce synthetic inputs and prioritize renewable energy sources.

Socially engaged practices that ensure that farming communities are diverse, vibrant, and resilient, while making healthy agricultural products accessible.

Forward-looking practices that are knowledge-intensive and regionally specific, and embrace the potential benefits that innovation and technology provide.

Scope

EFAO is a membership organization. In 2023 we had 1055 members – mostly farmers – across Ontario.

We welcome farmers of all scales, production types and levels of experience. We welcome new and aspiring farmers, as well as students.

We also strongly encourage non-farmers – whether you’re a business, organization or engaged citizens and want to help grow ecological agriculture across Ontario – to become members or supporters of the organization. Working together we can make a difference!

Members

Impact

Our region faces serious food and farming challenges, including insufficient access to nutrient-dense food, degraded soil health, the ongoing loss of farmers and farmland, and increasingly severe weather events as the climate crisis intensifies.

We need to advance innovative farming practices, train a new generation of farmers and effectively communicate these achievements to neighbours, consumers and policymakers.

To help address these challenges, in 2023 EFAO: