300+ attendees • 2-day trade show • 35 workshops • 3 keynotes
+ banquet dinner & socials & more!
EFAO’s annual conference draws farmers, growers, and food producers from across the food system for two days of intensive learning, idea-sharing, networking and celebration with good food and friends. With over 300 attendees, the EFAO Conference connects you with people who care passionately about farming and food.
This year’s theme is inspired by the unique historical moment that we are all inhabiting: a time in which ecological farming is in some ways more mainstream than ever, but in which economic circumstances, world events, and numerous other factors have combined to make many of us question the viability of food production as an occupation. This theme is also intended to reflect the truth that although the act of growing food in a way that acknowledges the entirety of ecology may be a very real challenge in this era, there is still hope if we face these challenges collaboratively, and that prosperity can come in many forms, via many pathways.
Program
This year’s program promises another wonderful event of over 35 sessions across three days.
Join us for one, two or all three days of the EFAO Conference!
The draft conference schedule is subject to change until October 31.
Online Farmer-led Research Symposium
On Monday December 1, join EFAO researchers, members and community at the online Research Symposium. This is an online gathering where farmer-researchers share their findings and insights from the 2025 research season. The 2025 research trials include:
- Leaves as mulch
- Polycultures with cucumbers
- Landrace watermelon evaluation
- Intracanopy lighting for tomatoes
- Maize grow-out
- Landrace maxima squash
- Interplanting with mushrooms
- Luffas growing methods
- PAN Network 2025
- No-till potatoes with mulch 2025
- No-till winter squash with mulch 2025
Free admission to the research symposium is included with a pass to the 2025 Annual EFAO Conference.
2nd Annual Earth & Sky Gathering
On Tuesday, December 2, join us for the 2nd Annual Earth & Sky Gathering – taking place on Day 1 of the EFAO Conference – and bringing together Indigenous land stewards, growers, seedkeepers, and farmers for a full day of delicious food, knowledge-sharing, joy, celebration, and dancing!
This gathering centres the voices and experiences of Indigenous growers and land stewards, while welcoming all who wish to learn, listen, and walk alongside in support of thriving, land-based food systems. Together, we’ll explore how we can cultivate nourishment, connection, and prosperity in our communities. May we draw inspiration from the incredible initiatives taking place across the land, and from the remarkable people and networks carrying this work forward with passion and purpose.
Register
In order to make the conference accessible to all farmers and future farmers in Ontario, EFAO strives to reduce financial barriers for registration by using a sliding scale model. To register using this model, please complete this form.
The following add-ons are available for purchase during registration:
Tue Breakfast – $26 (18 & under: $15)
Whether you’re staying overnight or arriving early, start your day off right with a buffet breakfast specially prepared for conference guests
Tue Dinner – $45 (13-18: $35,
12 & under: $18)
Gather with other conference and Indigenous gathering participants on Tuesday evening to reconnect and chat over a casual dinner
Wed Breakfast – $26 (18 & under: $15)
Whether you’re staying overnight or arriving early, start your day off right with a buffet breakfast specially prepared for conference guests
Wed Banquet – $65 (12 & under: $27)
A delicious buffet-style meal highlighting local ecological growers, followed by a celebration of 10 Years of Farmer-led Research with longtime collaborator Erin Nelson called Nourishing Ecological Farming Networks: Sharing stories & building connections across borders, then an evening of live music and good conversation with new and old friends
Thu Breakfast – $26 (18 & under: $15)
Whether you’re staying overnight or arriving early, start your day off right with a buffet breakfast specially prepared for conference guests.
Media Passes – $45/day
Only available for Wed & Thu. Includes lunch, not Wed dinner
Conference Venue & Overnight Accommodations
EFAO Conference participants can book overnight accommodations directly with the Four Points by Sheraton London as part of a negotiated group rate of $145–$155 per night using the group booking link: Book your group rate for EFAO 2025.
The room block will open to the public after Monday November 10.
Breakfast is not included in overnight rates and can be purchased separately through conference registration.
Carrot Cache Innovation Prize
Enter to win!
The Carrot Cache is once again offering a $1,000 prize for innovative, low cost solutions to planting, harvesting, and managing food grown ecologically in Ontario. This is a great opportunity for farmers to share proven, creative ways already in use on-farm to build financial and environmental sustainability.
Share your innovation or feel free to send details about the Innovation Prize to anyone you think has an innovation worth sharing. We’d love to see any tried-and-tested innovations.
Submissions will be shared with attendees at the 12th Annual EFAO Conference: Pathways to Prosperity and attendees will have the chance to vote for their favourite on-farm innovations. The winner will be announced at the Conference. Submissions must be received by 9:00AM on Monday November 17.
Sponsors
The New Farm Centre
Gold Sponsor
Small Farm Canada
Silver Sponsor
Farmers for Climate Solutions
Silver Sponsor
Pfenning's Organic
Silver Sponsor
Yorkshire Valley Farms
Silver Sponsor
Heartwood Farm & Cidery
Bronze Sponsor
Become an EFAO Conference Sponsor or Exhibitor
Trade Show Exhibitors
Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association
National Capital Commission
National Farmers Union – Ontario
Acti-sol
Multi-Shelter Solutions
E&F Sauder
Agriculture Wellness Ontario
Woolgrown Company
Silvercreek Nursery
Ecocert Canada
Ignatius Farm
Organic Council of Ontario
Alfalfa Green
Supporting Partners
Bauta Family Initiative on Canadian Seed Security
Organic Council of Ontario
National Farmers Union - Ontario
Additional Information
Family Room
Children are welcome to attend sessions or drop into the on-site Family Room for unstructured engagement. Families are responsible for coordinating the supervision of their children at all times at the conference.
We plan to offer one activity session for kids age 8 to 12 on both Wednedsay and Thursday in the Family Room at a set time. Please contact conference@efao.ca to let us know if your child would be interested in this option. We will share details shortly.
Bursary
In order to make the conference accessible to all farmers and future farmers in Ontario, EFAO strives to reduce financial barriers for registration by using a Sliding Scale model. To register, please complete this form.
Not attending the conference but interested in sponsoring a farmer to attend? Donate today!
Hotel Rooms
EFAO Conference participants can book overnight accommodations directly with the Four Points by Sheraton London as part of a negotiated group rate of $145–$155 per night using the group booking link: Book your group rate for EFAO 2025.
The booking deadline is Monday, November 3, 2025.
Breakfast is not included in overnight rates and can be purchased separately through conference registration.
Youth Rate
We’re happy to have participants of all ages join us at the conference!
Youth 12 and under: Join the fun and just cover your meal costs. Lunches each day are $18.
Youth 13 to 18: Register for the conference and attend sessions for $65 per day (including lunches) with an accompanying adult for a single day pass.
Additional options for youth:
Breakfasts: All youth breakfasts are $15
Tuesday Welcome Dinner:
Youth 12 and under – $25
Youth 13 to 18 – $45
Wednesday Banquet Dinner:
Youth 12 and under – $28
Youth 13 to 18 – $65
To register as a youth please contact us for more information.
Meals
Conference meals will feature food provided by EFAO members and other local ecological farmers and food providers. You don’t want to miss the Wednesday Banquet Dinner! A delicious meal, entertainment and activities, and good conversation with new and old friends.
Live Music
After the Wednesday Banquet Dinner, join us for live music, an interactive art activity and great conversation.
More information to come!
Access Info
Please contact us if you require any accommodations in order to participate in the Conference. Please note that although EFAO strives to make the Conference accessible, it may not be possible to accommodate all requests.
The conference venue, meeting rooms, hotel, and other on-site facilities are all physically accessible. To confirm specific accessibility features and services, please be in touch at conference@efao.ca or call the hotel at +1 519-681-0600.
Although wearing a mask is no longer mandatory, you are always welcome to do so.
EFAO has reserved a small meeting room for use during meal times with the purpose of offering a space with a HEPA filter to attendees who need to take extra precautions against viral illnesses. This room has a capacity limit of 15 people. Therefore, EFAO asks that folks accessing this space only use the room for time needed to eat, in order to allow more space and time for others to use the room. Please contact us or visit the registration desk if you have any questions.
Ride Sharing
In an effort to help you find a ride to the conference, reduce emissions from transportation, and save money on gas, we’ve created a public spreadsheet where you can post your ride or that you are looking for one.