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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for EFAO
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20251028T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20251028T163000
DTSTAMP:20260514T172242
CREATED:20251015T191603Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251015T191603Z
UID:52747-1761663600-1761669000@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Behind the Packet: Open-Pollinated Seeds in Focus
DESCRIPTION:This event is offered by the Bauta Family Initiative on Canadian Seed Security along with partners across the country\, including EFAO. \nAt the Bauta Family Initiative on Canadian Seed Security\, we work toward a future where farmers have the power to save\, improve\, and share the seeds they rely on. That means building a seed system rooted in genetic diversity\, regional adaptation\, and collective care. \nSeed systems are complex—shaped by geography\, labour\, economics\, policy\, and culture. They involve trade-offs. No single model is perfect. This series is about holding space for nuance\, highlighting under-recognized work\, and building shared understanding of the systems that feed us. \nWe invite you to join us—with curiosity and care—as we shine a light behind the packet. \n————————————— \nOpen-pollinated (OP) seeds are foundational to seed sovereignty\, climate resilience\, and food systems grounded in place and culture. Valued for their adaptability\, complex flavours\, and the freedom they offer to save and share seed\, OP varieties remain essential tools for farmers and gardeners navigating a changing world. \nYet behind every thriving OP variety lies a network of dedicated producers\, often overlooked and under-supported. As seed companies increasingly pivot toward hybrid development and away from maintaining OP lines\, many tried-and-true varieties are being lost. Meanwhile\, the farmers and breeders who continue to steward these seeds—often informally or through grassroots networks—are not only preserving diversity but also creating the heirlooms of tomorrow. \nWho is ensuring that high-quality OP seed remains available? What does it take—biologically\, technically\, and economically—to produce and maintain these varieties year after year? Why are so many of them disappearing\, and what is at stake if they do? \nIn this webinar\, we’ll explore the complexities and urgency of open-pollinated seed production today. From the hands-on work of seed growers to the systemic forces shaping seed availability\, we’ll examine the barriers\, possibilities\, and values embedded in these seeds—and why their future matters to us all. \nSpeakers: \n\nLisa Mumm of Mumm’s Sprouting Seeds\nAaron Varadi of High Mowing\nEdmund Frost (Common Wealth Seed Growers and Twin Oaks Seed Farm)
URL:https://efao.ca/event/behind-the-packet-open-pollinated-seeds-in-focus/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20251023T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20251023T203000
DTSTAMP:20260514T172242
CREATED:20250828T171612Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250828T171700Z
UID:22549-1761244200-1761251400@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Exploring a New Enterprise Webinar Series with Ignatius Farm: Keeping Sheep
DESCRIPTION:If you live in northern Ontario\, you are welcome to attend this workshop free of charge – please use the coupon code SHEEPNORTH when filling out the registration form to receive free admission. \nAll Indigenous growers\, land stewards and community members are welcome to attend this workshop free of charge – please use the coupon code INDIG2025 when filling out the registration form to receive free admission. \nThis webinar is part of the webinar series Exploring a New Enterprise with Ignatius Farm. \n\nWebinar Description:\nHave you been wanting to keep livestock?  How about sheep!  Join Brenda Hsueh as she talks us through starting a sheep farm\, the challenges and benefits.  Brenda and her family run Black Sheep Farm; an organic farm\, raising sheep on pasture for lamb meat\, fibre\, and tanned lambskins. A recording of this webinar will be available. \nSpeaker: Brenda Hsueh\, Black Sheep Farm\, Chesley \nBlack Sheep Farm is an organic farm\, raising sheep on pasture for lamb meat\, fibre\, and tanned lambskins. The farm was started by Brenda Hsueh in 2009\, a Canadian-born Chinese woman\, who left a financial career in downtown Toronto to start farming. Eventually\, she met Skyler\, from the farm around the corner\, who took an interest in the sheep side of the farm and has been growing it ever since. Black Sheep Farm is an agroecological farm\, prioritizing soil health\, biodiversity\, and social justice. The sheep are grazed on pasture using intensive managed grazing\, to maximize the positive soil carbon capture benefits of ruminants\, while producing food and fibre from something humans can’t eat\, grass. \n  \nThis webinar is supported by funding from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/exploring-a-new-enterprise-keeping-sheep/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/Black-sheep-farm.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20251021T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20251021T170000
DTSTAMP:20260514T172242
CREATED:20250828T171032Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250911T132729Z
UID:22545-1761058800-1761066000@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Exploring a New Enterprise Webinar Series with Ignatius Farm: Starting a Value-added Enterprise
DESCRIPTION:If you live in northern Ontario\, you are welcome to attend this workshop free of charge – please use the coupon code VALNORTH when filling out the registration form to receive free admission. \nAll Indigenous growers\, land stewards and community members are welcome to attend this workshop free of charge – please use the coupon code INDIG2025 when filling out the registration form to receive free admission. \nThis webinar is part of the webinar series Exploring a New Enterprise with Ignatius Farm. \n\nWebinar Description:\nAre you considering adding value added products to your inventory? Want to hear from farmers that have taken the leap? Join us for this panel discussion where we will hear from 3 farmers who produce value added products; what do they produce\, how did they start out\, and what advice would they give to those in the planning stages. A recording of this webinar will be available. \nPanelists: Steve D’Alimonte\, Picollo Farm Organics\, Guelph; Xiaobing Shen\, Long Road Eco Farm; TBA \nPiccolo Farm Organics (PFO) is owned and operated by Steve D’Alimonte & Lisa Lopez in the backyard of their property in Guelph. On a quarter of an acre\, PFO aims to demonstrate that by using non-mechanized and regenerative farming methods\, food can be flavourful and healthy to both people and planet. PFO is also a celebration of heritage by showing that culturally specific vegetable varieties from around the world can and should be grown locally. PFO primarily grows Italian varieties of vegetables or vegetables commonly used in Italian cuisine. They also offer focaccia\, pasta and sauces made with ingredients grown on the farm. \n  \nIn 2013\, Xiaobing Shen and his then partner Jonathon Davies started Long Road Eco-Farm\, a small\, mixed\, ecologically-run farm business raising livestock and growing specialty crops like ginger and garlic. Farm Sum Food is a key part of their business. They produce prepared peasant-style Chinese steamed buns\, dumplings\, and ferments with organically produced pork\, eggs\, vegetables and herbs from their farm\, and sell at Memorial Centre Farmers Market. Farm tours\, forest walks\, and popular cooking classes are also part of their offering to the community. \n  \nThis webinar is supported by funding from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/exploring-a-new-enterprise-value-added/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/Untitled-design.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20251016T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20251016T203000
DTSTAMP:20260514T172242
CREATED:20250828T170243Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250903T130735Z
UID:22541-1760639400-1760646600@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Exploring a New Enterprise Webinar Series with Ignatius Farm: Beekeeping 101
DESCRIPTION:If you live in northern Ontario\, you are welcome to attend this workshop free of charge – please use the coupon code BEENORTH when filling out the registration form to receive free admission. \nAll Indigenous growers\, land stewards and community members are welcome to attend this workshop free of charge – please use the coupon code INDIG2025 when filling out the registration form to receive free admission. \nThis webinar is part of the webinar series Exploring a New Enterprise with Ignatius Farm. \n\nWebinar Description:\nInterested in beekeeping? Join Ron to learn about the basics of keeping bees\, what you need to get started and some common challenges for beginners. A recording of this webinar will be available. \nSpeaker: Ron St Louis\, Capital Bees\, Ottawa \nRon is a member of Dokis First Nation in northern Ontario\, currently living in Ottawa and operating his business\, Capital Bees\, at the Just Food Farm. He has been keeping bees since 2011 and teaching a hands-on\, natural beekeeping program since 2015. He is a registered beekeeper and breeds bees to be resistant to pests and diseases and has been a member of the Ontario Resistant Honey Bee Selection program (ORHBS) since 2017. \n  \nThis webinar is supported by funding from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/exploring-a-new-enterprise-beekeeping-101/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/Bees-close-up.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20251009T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20251009T170000
DTSTAMP:20260514T172242
CREATED:20250828T165531Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250828T165647Z
UID:22535-1760022000-1760029200@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Exploring a New Enterprise Webinar Series with Ignatius Farm: Starting a Winter CSA
DESCRIPTION:If you live in northern Ontario\, you are welcome to attend this workshop free of charge – please use the coupon code CSANORTH when filling out the registration form to receive free admission. \nAll Indigenous growers\, land stewards and community members are welcome to attend this workshop free of charge – please use the coupon code INDIG2025 when filling out the registration form to receive free admission. \nThis webinar is part of the webinar series Exploring a New Enterprise with Ignatius Farm. \n\nWebinar Description:\nAre you thinking about shifting to a winter CSA model? Hear from Marcelle and Brendan on how they started their winter CSA and how it was a game changer for their farm profitability. A recording of this webinar will be available. \nSpeakers: Brendan Grant & Marcelle Paulin\, Sleepy G Farm\, Pass Lake \nSince 2010\, Brendan and Marcelle have been operating Sleepy G Farm in Pass Lake\, ON\, 45km east of Thunder Bay. They grow 8 acres of Certified Organic vegetables and distribute through a 200-member CSA program in addition to wholesaling to grocery stores.  Sleepy G Farm also produces eggs and beef as a complement to nearly year-round vegetables sales that are made possible by an on-farm winter vegetable storage facility. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how they have turned a 171 acre abandoned dairy farm in northwestern Ontario into a thriving\, diversified farm business and the infrastructure they’ve put in place to support their operations. \n  \nThis webinar is supported by funding from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/exploring-a-new-enterprise-starting-a-winter-csa/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/peter-wendt-r5KSMkyoSc-unsplash.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20251007T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20251007T170000
DTSTAMP:20260514T172242
CREATED:20250828T153234Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250828T170343Z
UID:22527-1759849200-1759856400@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Exploring a New Enterprise Webinar Series with Ignatius Farm: Growing Indoor Mushrooms
DESCRIPTION:If you live in northern Ontario\, you are welcome to attend this workshop free of charge – please use the coupon code MUSHNORTH when filling out the registration form to receive free admission. \nAll Indigenous growers\, land stewards and community members are welcome to attend this workshop free of charge – please use the coupon code INDIG2025 when filling out the registration form to receive free admission. \nThis webinar is part of the webinar series Exploring a New Enterprise with Ignatius Farm. \n\nWebinar Description:\nAre you curious about growing mushrooms indoors on a commercial scale? Ugly Barn Farms grows several kinds of mushrooms in their indoor facility\, which is heated by renewable materials. Hear about how they got started and what it takes to grow mushrooms indoors. A recording of this webinar will be available. \nSpeaker: Ivan Vincent\, Ugly Barn Farm\, Markstay \nUgly Barn Farm is a small family farm based in northern Ontario and one of the first\, year-round mushroom facilities in the north. At the Ugly Barn Farm\, Ivan and Brittany specialize in gourmet mushrooms\, cultivated in their mushroom growing facility\, heated by renewable materials. They produce their mushrooms without the use of pesticides and source as much material locally as possible. They are also passionate in wildcrafted foods like blueberries\, fiddleheads\, spruce buds\, and of course mushrooms! \n  \n  \nThis webinar is supported by funding from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/exploring-a-new-enterprise-mushrooms/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/104277327_4228106343874134_8071495015502706607_o.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20251002T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20251002T170000
DTSTAMP:20260514T172242
CREATED:20250828T125344Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250828T153326Z
UID:22516-1759417200-1759424400@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Exploring a New Enterprise Webinar Series with Ignatius Farm: Starting a Flower Farm
DESCRIPTION:If you live in northern Ontario\, you are welcome to attend this workshop free of charge – please use the coupon code FLOWNORTH when filling out the registration form to receive free admission. \nAll Indigenous growers\, land stewards and community members are welcome to attend this workshop free of charge – please use the coupon code INDIG2025 when filling out the registration form to receive free admission. \nThis webinar is part of the webinar series Exploring a New Enterprise with Ignatius Farm. \n\nWebinar Description:\nLocal and ecological flowers are a high valuable crop to grow and are more and more popular over the conscious consumers. Join us for this webinar where we discuss how to efficiently and successfully begin growing or add floral crops to your current production system\, using ecological growing practices. A recording of this webinar will be available. \nSpeaker: Theresa Schumilas\, Garden Party Flower Farm\, St. Agatha Theresa owns Garden Party Flower Farm\, a 4 acre specialty cut flower farm outside of Kitchener-Waterloo\, where she has farmed organically for over 30 years. She completed her PhD in economic geography at the University of Waterloo in 2014\, followed by postdoctoral studies in the digitization of food and farming systems\, at the Laurier Centre for Sustainable Food Systems. \n  \n  \nThis webinar is supported by funding from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/exploring-a-new-enterprise-flower-farm/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250925T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250925T203000
DTSTAMP:20260514T172242
CREATED:20250903T130432Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250903T130432Z
UID:22574-1758825000-1758832200@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Exploring a New Enterprise Webinar Series with Ignatius Farm: Growing Medicinal Herbs
DESCRIPTION:If you live in northern Ontario\, you are welcome to attend this workshop free of charge – please use the coupon code HERBNORTH when filling out the registration form to receive free admission. \nIf you identify as an Indigenous grower\, land steward or community member\, you are welcome to attend this workshop free of charge – please use the coupon code INDIG2025 when filling out the registration form to receive free admission. \nThis webinar is part of the webinar series Exploring a New Enterprise with Ignatius Farm. \n\nWebinar Description:\nJoin Shabina as she shares her experience with  growing herbs for medicine and tea. How is growing herbs different from vegetables\, harvest and drying techniques\, as well as tips and tricks she has found useful. A recording of this webinar will be available. \nSpeaker: Shabina Lafleur-Gangji\, co-director of Seed\, Soil and Spirit School\, Guelph \nShabina is a mixed Indian\, Persian\, and French herbalist who has been involved in healing justice work last decade. She works to support people in reclaiming their traditional knowledge through their connection with ancestral plants and has used herbal medicine as a way to fundraise for movements for freedom and liberation. She holds an advanced diplomat from Humber College’s Traditional Chinese Practition and Acupuncture Program and is a graduate of the the School of Ayurveda and Panchakarma in Kerala and the Living Earth School of Herbalism. She has studied alongside herbalists such as Dr. Nadine Ijaz\, Janette Cormier\, Scott Reid and Janice Canning. \n  \nThis webinar is supported by funding from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/exploring-a-new-enterprise-growing-medicinal-herbs/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/nettle-1-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250923T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250923T203000
DTSTAMP:20260514T172242
CREATED:20250828T124521Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250922T143258Z
UID:22512-1758652200-1758659400@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Exploring a New Enterprise Webinar Series with Ignatius Farm: Pastured Poultry Production
DESCRIPTION:If you live in northern Ontario\, you are welcome to attend this workshop free of charge – please use the coupon code POULNORTH when filling out the registration form to receive free admission. All Indigenous growers\, land stewards and community members are welcome to attend this workshop free of charge – please use the coupon code INDIG2025 when filling out the registration form to receive free admission. This webinar is part of the webinar series Exploring a New Enterprise with Ignatius Farm. \n\nWebinar Description:\nAre you thinking of starting out with pasture raised poultry? Join Eric as he takes us through both the set up and day to day activities of pasture raised chickens as well as the business side of marketing and distribution. A recording of this webinar will be available. Speaker: Eric Blondin\, Three Forks Farm\, Gore Bay Eric Blondin and Peggy Baillie are the co-owners of Three Forks Farms\, a certified organic farm on Manitoulin Island\, Ontario. Since 2015\, they have focused on growing organic vegetables\, raising pasture-fed poultry\, and developing regionally adapted seeds suited to Northern Ontario’s climate. Their farm operates with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability\, community food security\, and financial viability.With over a decade of experience in local food systems\, Eric and Peggy have built a farm that extends the growing season using polytunnels and innovative crop planning. They sell their produce through on-farm sales\, farmers’ markets\, a CSA program\, and wholesale partnerships with retailers and restaurants. Passionate about seed saving and regenerative agriculture\, they continue to support local growers by providing high-quality seeds and knowledge to strengthen food resilience in the North.   This webinar is supported by funding from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/exploring-a-new-enterprise-pastured-poultry/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/three-forks-1-475x277-1-e1758551535118.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250918T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250918T203000
DTSTAMP:20260514T172242
CREATED:20250826T172238Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250826T172238Z
UID:22505-1758220200-1758227400@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Exploring a New Enterprise Webinar Series with Ignatius Farm: Pasture-raised Pork
DESCRIPTION:If you live in northern Ontario\, you are welcome to attend this workshop free of charge – please use the coupon code PORKNORTH when filling out the registration form to receive free admission. \nAll Indigenous growers\, land stewards and community members are welcome to attend this workshop free of charge – please use the coupon code INDIG2025 when filling out the registration form to receive free admission. \nThis webinar is part of the webinar series Exploring a New Enterprise with Ignatius Farm. \n\nWebinar Description:\nMany consumers are drawn to the health benefits and premium quality of pasture raised meats – both excellent reasons to raise animals on grass. Join Josh for this discussion about how he got started and what it takes to successfully raise pasture pork. A recording of this webinar will be available. \nSpeaker: Joshua Noiseux\, Evermeadow Farm\, Cobourg \nJoshua Noiseux is a philosopher ecologist with “boots on the ground”.  After years in academia\, studying the philosophy and political theory of ecology and agency\, Josh put his PhD thesis on on hold to start Evermeadow Farm in 2020. He holds an MA in political and cultural theory and has worked in diverse trades\, including gold exploration and arboriculture.  Now a respected voice in the regenerative agriculture space\, Josh has guest lectured at Ivey Business School\, Trent and Queen’s Universities\, and presented at numerous conferences and panels\, including with the Ecologicial Farmer’s of Ontario (EFAO) and the National Farmers Union (NFU).  Entering his 5th year at the helm of Evermeadow\, Josh is looking forward to further actualizing his vision of landscape scale ecological restoration\, and deepening community resilience through the marriage of environmental conservation and agricultural production. \n  \nThis webinar is supported by funding from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario. \n \n 
URL:https://efao.ca/event/pasture-raised-pork-2025/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/Untitled-design-1-4.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250916T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250916T203000
DTSTAMP:20260514T172242
CREATED:20250826T170515Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250826T170548Z
UID:22470-1758047400-1758054600@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Exploring a New Enterprise Webinar Series with Ignatius Farm: Starting a Seed Production Enterprise
DESCRIPTION:If you live in northern Ontario\, you are welcome to attend this workshop free of charge – please use the coupon code SEEDNORTH when filling out the registration form to receive free admission. \nAll Indigenous growers\, land stewards and community members are welcome to attend this workshop free of charge – please use the coupon code INDIG2025 when filling out the registration form to receive free admission. \nThis webinar is part of the webinar series Exploring a New Enterprise with Ignatius Farm. \n\nWebinar Description:\nAre you considering saving and selling seeds as part of your farm business? Hear how Peggy from Three Forks Farm got started and her advice on how to start a seed production business. A recording of this webinar will be available. \nSpeaker: Peggy Baillie\, Three Forks Farm\, Gore Bay \nPeggy Baillie and Eric Blondin are the co-owners of Three Forks Farms\, a certified organic farm on Manitoulin Island\, Ontario. Since 2015\, they have focused on growing organic vegetables\, raising pasture-fed poultry\, and developing regionally adapted seeds suited to Northern Ontario’s climate. Their farm operates with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability\, community food security\, and financial viability.With over a decade of experience in local food systems\, Eric and Peggy have built a farm that extends the growing season using polytunnels and innovative crop planning. They sell their produce through on-farm sales\, farmers’ markets\, a CSA program\, and wholesale partnerships with retailers and restaurants. Passionate about seed saving and regenerative agriculture\, they continue to support local growers by providing high-quality seeds and knowledge to strengthen food resilience in the North. \n  \nThis webinar is supported by funding from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario. \n \n 
URL:https://efao.ca/event/enterprise-seed-production/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/IMG_4836_Original-1024x768-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250829T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250830T163000
DTSTAMP:20260514T172242
CREATED:20250808T190915Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250811T133159Z
UID:22429-1756494000-1756571400@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Seeds of Change: Discussion and Tour
DESCRIPTION:This event is hosted by Lakehead University’s Sustainable Food Systems Lab in partnership with the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario\, Roots Community Food Centre\, Superior Seed Producers\, Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority\, Lake Superior Living Labs Network\,  Understanding Our Food Systems\, the Food Action Network of Northwestern Ontario\, Gaia Organic Seeds\, and Root Cellar Gardens. \nJoin local seed producers\, researchers\, and gardeners for part (or all!) of this 2-day event celebrating our community and collective ability to protect our seeds\, grow food and community\, and learn together. \n  \nFriday August 29\, 7:00pm to 8:30pm: Local to Global Perspectives on Seed Sovereignty Panel Discussion (online\, or in-person) \nJoin us for a roundtable discussion exploring the vital role that seeds play in food systems\, culture\, and sovereignty. Speakers will weave together stories\, struggles\, and strategies from across Ontario\, Indigenous territories and global movements including the upcoming Nyéléni Food Sovereignty Forum. From the ground beneath our feet to international efforts for seed justice\, this discussion connects diverse voices committed to protecting and reclaiming seeds and our food systems for future generations. \nYou are welcome to watch the panel in person at Roots Community Food Centre (450 Ft. William Rd\, Thunder Bay) or join online! A Zoom link will be sent to all registrants.  \n  \nSaturday August 30\, 10:00am – 4:30pm: Field Tours and Watermelon Tasting (in person) \nThis Saturday event will begin at Roots Community Food Centre Lillie Street Garden at 125 Lillie St.\, Thunder Bay at 10:00am. Field tours will conclude at Root Cellar Gardens in South Gillies at 3:30pm. Return to Lillie Street Garden by 4:30pm. Please indicate when registering if you require transportation.   \nJoin us for a day of celebrating and exploring what happens when diverse seeds and people come together. Learn about ongoing collaborative projects to grow various crops that thrive in our region and why this work is so important. See these adapting crops in three locations (Roots Community Food Centre’s Lillie Street garden\, Lakehead University Agricultural Research Station\, and Root Cellar Gardens). Be a part of the breeding process by tasting locally grown watermelons and helping select which seeds to save and replant next year.  \nSnacks will be provided\, but participants are advised to bring a lunch and a water bottle. This event will take place rain or shine\, so dress for the weather!  \n \nAlso…find us at the Hymers Fall Fair on Sunday August 31 and Monday September 1\, 2025! Stop by our booth to say “hi”\, taste some watermelon and take one home\, have your say in the collaborative adaptive breeding project. (Note: There is an admission fee of $10 to the Hymers Fall Fair.) 
URL:https://efao.ca/event/seeds-of-change/
LOCATION:Multiple Venues
CATEGORIES:Field Day,Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/IMG_2235-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250417T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250417T160000
DTSTAMP:20260514T172242
CREATED:20250311T200909Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250311T200909Z
UID:21463-1744900200-1744905600@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Land-Sharing for Resilient Communities Part 2
DESCRIPTION:All Indigenous growers\, land stewards and community members are welcome to attend this webinar free of charge! Please use the coupon code LANDSHARE2 when filling out the registration form to receive free admission. \nJoin us for this two-part webinar series with Jennifer Nobel\, an experienced permaculture practitioner\, ecological homestead designer\, and land steward. Whether you are just starting to explore land-sharing or are seriously considering it as a pathway to land access\, these sessions will provide valuable insights and practical guidance. Attend one or both—each session offers unique knowledge\, but together they create a foundation for successful land-sharing arrangements. \nPart 2: Legal Considerations\, Design & Infrastructure\, Finance\, Security \nAs farmland prices soar and barriers to entry into agriculture increase\, many aspiring farmers and land-based entrepreneurs are turning to land-sharing as a creative and viable solution. But while shared land arrangements can offer exciting opportunities\, they also require careful planning to ensure long-term success. \nIn Part 2 of this two-part webinar series\, Jennifer Nobel—author of the upcoming book Land-Sharing: A Beginner’s Guide—will dive into the practical and legal realities of land-sharing. Drawing from her own experience navigating bylaws\, agreements\, and alternative living solutions\, Jennifer will provide attendees with essential knowledge to move forward confidently in structuring and sustaining land-sharing projects. \nWhat You’ll Learn: \nLegal Considerations – Key legal aspects of land-sharing\, including bylaws\, zoning\, lease agreements\, and cooperative structures. \nDesign & Infrastructure – Planning functional shared spaces\, from housing to common-use facilities.= \nFinance & Funding – Strategies for funding\, structuring member contributions\, and exploring alternative income streams. \nSecurity – Ensuring fair agreements\, legal protections\, and a safe living environment for all participants. \nWhether you’re in the early stages of land-sharing exploration or ready to take action\, this session will equip you with the beginner knowledge needed to successfully navigate the complexities of starting and maintaining a land-sharing venture. \n \nJennifer Nobel is an experienced Metis permaculture practitioner\, ecological homestead designer\, and passionate land steward with over a decade of experience in studying\, practicing\, and teaching ecological living practices. Holding a degree in architecture\, Jennifer initially pursued retail design\, however\, quickly realized fulfillment came from living on the land and designing land-based projects. In 2020\, her family’s aspirations of owning an acreage were thwarted by the rising cost of land. Determined to make her vision a reality\, Jennifer spent the last five years navigating complex bylaws\, building codes\, and alternative living solutions through land-sharing agreements. These experiences not only provided a low-cost way to live but also allowed her family to save up to purchase their own property. Having purchased some land\, Jennifer is excited to offer others the same opportunities\, sharing her wisdom on communal living\, building vibrant communities\, and generating extra income through land sharing. \nThis webinar is part of EFAO’s Indigenous Outreach and Engagement Initiative\, which is supported by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture\, Food and Agribusiness.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/land-sharing-for-resilient-communities-part-2-2025/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/Heading-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250415T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250415T140000
DTSTAMP:20260514T172242
CREATED:20250407T140407Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250415T154457Z
UID:21599-1744722000-1744725600@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Greenhouse Lightning Talks: Northern Perspectives
DESCRIPTION:All Indigenous growers\, land stewards and community members are welcome to attend this webinar free of charge! Please use the coupon code GREENHOUSE2025 when filling out the registration form to receive free admission. \nGreenhouses and high tunnels are critical tools for building food security and sovereignty in Northern communities. This webinar highlights the voices of Indigenous and Northern growers who are leading innovative greenhouse projects in challenging climates. \nOrganized in response to ongoing conversations from our Indigenous Growers Gathering and input from the Indigenous Engagement & Outreach Steering Committee\, this session offers a platform to share practical knowledge\, strengthen connections\, and spotlight successful strategies for season extension in the North. \nWhat to expect: \nGreenhouse Lightning Talks: Northern Perspectives features three inspiring short presentations from growers across Northern Ontario\, followed by a Q&A session. Each speaker will share their approach\, challenges\, successes\, and how their work supports food sovereignty in their community. \nYou’ll hear about: \n\nPractical greenhouse designs and technologies for northern climates\nReal-life adaptations to cold-weather growing challenges\nHow greenhouses support community food programs and sovereignty\nLessons and advice for growers and communities looking to start similar projects\n\n  \nSchedule: \n\n1:00 PM – Welcome & Introduction (Rachel\, EFAO)\n1:05 – 1:20 PM – Mnogin Greenhouse (Nipissing First Nation)\n1:20 – 1:35 PM – Niigaaniin Greenhouse Project (North Shore Tribal Council)\n1:35 – 1:50 PM – Three Forks Farm (Manitoulin Island\, with Eric Blondin)\n1:50 – 2:00 PM – Open Q&A\n\n\nSpeakers: \nNiigaaniin Greenhouse Project \nLed by the North Shore Tribal Council and involving eight First Nation communities\, this project is revitalizing a former MNR nursery site with 16 greenhouses and 80 acres of farmland. With four greenhouses already retrofitted\, the project aims to distribute fresh food locally and boost community resilience. In partnership with the University of Guelph\, the project blends traditional knowledge with research-driven innovation. \nMnogin Greenhouse – Nipissing First Nation \nUsing advanced hydroponic technology\, Mnogin Greenhouse grows leafy greens and herbs year-round with minimal land and water. The project enhances food security\, supplies community programs\, and supports local economic development — all while promoting Anishinaabe values of sustainability and care. \nThree Forks Farm – Manitoulin Island \nOwned by Peggy Baillie and Eric Blondin\, this certified organic farm uses a 30’x120’ high tunnel to extend their growing season nearly year-round. With a strong focus on ecological practices\, local food access\, and seed sovereignty\, Three Forks Farm plays a key role in regional food resilience. \n  \nThis webinar is part of EFAO’s Indigenous Outreach and Engagement Initiative\, which is supported by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture\, Food and Agribusiness.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/greenhouse-lightning-talks-2025/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250414T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250414T200000
DTSTAMP:20260514T172242
CREATED:20250319T135704Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250319T161257Z
UID:21531-1744655400-1744660800@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Build Your Own Air Pruning Beds
DESCRIPTION:In this webinar\, participants will learn how to build their own simple and inexpensive air pruning beds with basic carpentry skills and equipment. These beds make it possible to grow hundreds of tree seedlings in small spaces with very low costs. Participants will learn the basics of collecting and storing tree seed\, and step-by-step instructions for starting many tree species from seed or cuttings. The webinar will focus in particular on tree species that are valuable as livestock fodder or for fruit and nut production. \nThe knowledge gained in this workshop will allow participants to build their air pruning beds in the spring\, summer\, or early fall\, in time for starting trees this fall. \nWant to know more? Why air pruning?  \nAir pruning is a technique for developing healthy\, fibrous\, non-circling and non-girdling root structures in trees and plants raised in a nursery setting. Air pruning beds use air to prune and shape root systems. Trees and plants can be grown from seed\, cuttings or root divisions while still preserving a healthy tap root and creating a highly-branched root structure characteristic of a tree or plant grown from seed in-place. \n  \nAir pruned root systems have a much higher survival and rate of thriving in comparison with pot-grown root systems. Air pruning beds also offer protection from pests\, and support seedlings to grow faster and maintain healthy tap roots\, which is important for survival in harsh environments and challenging to do in pot-grown trees. Trees grown in air pruning beds have a reduced need for staking\, and have grown in healthier soil through improved drainage. \n  \n  \nMeet the Speaker: \nKevin Barkhouse is a nature lover and a certified seed collector with the Forest Gene Conservation Association. For the past five years\, he has been growing trees and shrubs from seed in his backyard nursery\, focusing on native species. Through careful collection and propagation\, he contributes to biodiversity and reforestation efforts by donating his trees to various planting projects. His hands-on experience and deep appreciation for the natural world make him a dedicated advocate for growing trees from seed.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/build-your-own-air-pruning-beds-2025/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/1000006720-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250410T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250410T160000
DTSTAMP:20260514T172242
CREATED:20250311T195945Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250311T201048Z
UID:21455-1744295400-1744300800@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Land-Sharing for Resilient Communities Part 1
DESCRIPTION:All Indigenous growers\, land stewards and community members are welcome to attend this webinar free of charge! Please use the coupon code LANDSHARE1 when filling out the registration form to receive free admission. \nJoin us for this two-part webinar series with Jennifer Nobel\, an experienced permaculture practitioner\, ecological homestead designer\, and land steward. Whether you are just starting to explore land-sharing or are seriously considering it as a pathway to land access\, these sessions will provide valuable insights and practical guidance. Attend one or both—each session offers unique knowledge\, but together they create a foundation for successful land-sharing arrangements. \nPart 1: Community Building\, Conflict Resolution\, Governance & Structures\, Traditions \nWith rising land prices and increasing barriers to entry in farming\, many aspiring farmers and land-based entrepreneurs are looking for creative ways to access land. This entry-level webinar is designed for those curious about land-sharing and cooperative land access models. Whether you’re dreaming of a collective farm\, an intentional community\, or a shared land project\, this session will provide the foundational knowledge needed to start strong. \nJennifer Nobel\, author of the upcoming book Land-Sharing: A Beginner’s Guide\, has spent the last five years navigating bylaws\, building codes\, and alternative living solutions to make land-sharing work. Drawing from her firsthand experience\, she will explore: \nCommunity Building – Fostering strong\, collaborative relationships among land-sharers \nConflict Resolution – Practical tools for navigating challenges and maintaining harmony \nGovernance & Structures – Decision-making systems that support long-term success \nTraditions & Culture – The role of shared values in strengthening land-sharing arrangements \nWant to go deeper? This session lays the groundwork for Part 2\, where we’ll take a practical look at the legal\, financial\, and security aspects of land-sharing. Learn more and register for Part 2 here. \n \nJennifer Nobel is an experienced Metis permaculture practitioner\, ecological homestead designer\, and passionate land steward with over a decade of experience in studying\, practicing\, and teaching ecological living practices. Holding a degree in architecture\, Jennifer initially pursued retail design\, however\, quickly realized fulfillment came from living on the land and designing land-based projects. In 2020\, her family’s aspirations of owning an acreage were thwarted by the rising cost of land. Determined to make her vision a reality\, Jennifer spent the last five years navigating complex bylaws\, building codes\, and alternative living solutions through land-sharing agreements. These experiences not only provided a low-cost way to live but also allowed her family to save up to purchase their own property. Having purchased some land\, Jennifer is excited to offer others the same opportunities\, sharing her wisdom on communal living\, building vibrant communities\, and generating extra income through land sharing. \nThis webinar is part of EFAO’s Indigenous Outreach and Engagement Initiative\, which is supported by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture\, Food and Agribusiness.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/land-sharing-for-resilient-communities-part-1-2025/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/Part1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250408T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250408T143000
DTSTAMP:20260514T172242
CREATED:20250311T203453Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T181249Z
UID:21471-1744117200-1744122600@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Cover Crop Foundations\, Tips & Tricks
DESCRIPTION:Join us as we dig into cover crops this spring. In this essential skills webinar\, participants will learn how to select cover crop varieties and mixes based on your soil health goals\, how and when to plant and terminate cover crops\, how to incorporate cover cropping into your crop rotations\, and more.  Bring questions from your farm. This webinar is intended for vegetable farmers\, but will be applicable to other farm types. \nJake Munroe is the Soil Management Specialist for Field Crops with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture\, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA). Jake has expertise in soil fertility\, soil health\, and cover crop management. Through on-farm trials\, demonstrations\, and presentations\, he shares information with Ontario farmers on best management practices to improve soil management and crop production. His current projects include evaluating late-season cover crop establishment following corn and soybeans and managing cover crops on clay soils. Jake is a Certified Crop Advisor. \n  \nStephanie Vickers is the Sustainability Specialist for Horticulture Crops with the OMAFA based in Vineland\, Ontario. She works with growers\, industry\, and researchers to assess new practices and technologies that improve sustainable production in Ontario’s horticulture sectors. Her current projects include assessing the use of under-vine cover crops in commercial vineyards and cover crop/intercropping options for organic garlic production. \n  \nThis event is presented in partnership with Farmers for Climate Solutions and with funding support from the On-Farm Climate Action Fund. Find additional resources on the FaRM Learning Hub.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/cover-crop-foundations-2025/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250325T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250325T143000
DTSTAMP:20260514T172242
CREATED:20250221T145949Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250226T155324Z
UID:21335-1742907600-1742913000@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Understanding Your Soil Test: Part 2
DESCRIPTION:Taking soil tests both for nutrients and biology are important management techniques so that ecological farmers can increase yields\, improve crop quality\, reduce weed problems and improve soil health. In Part 2 of this free Member Month webinar\, Ken Laing will discuss what amendments and cover crops you might use to correct deficiencies you find from your soil testing. Learn more and register for Part 1 here. \nBoth webinars will be relevant to growers of all sizes. \nThis event is presented in partnership with Farmers for Climate Solutions and with funding support from the On-Farm Climate Action Fund. Find additional resources on the FaRM Learning Hub. \nKen Laing of Orchard Hill Farm has farmed with his wife Martha near St.Thomas since 1979 when he graduated from the University of Guelph with a B.Sc. in Agriculture. From 1979 until 1996 they produced pick-your-own fruit\, and they transitioned to organic in 1989. From 1997 until 2017 they operated a CSA for up to 250 members. Pasture has been a part of their farm rotation for 44 years in terms of draft horses and more recently since 2015 also with cattle and custom grazing.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/understanding-your-soil-test-part-2-2025/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/Member-Month-graphics-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250325T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250325T120000
DTSTAMP:20260514T172242
CREATED:20250221T162955Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250226T155114Z
UID:21348-1742900400-1742904000@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Stats 101: The Importance of Replication
DESCRIPTION:A basic understanding of some statistical terms and principles can go a long way toward making your farmer-led research experience (or just reading the research reports) more valuable! \nIf terms like “replication”\, ”statistical significance” and “P-value” are confusing or meaningless to you\, join EFAO’s research team to learn the basics of statistics relevant to on-farm\, farmer-led research. \nDuring this free Member Month webinar\, we will walk through why replication matters in research\, and how it allows us to estimate confidence around your results. We will also discuss how you can use simple statistical tests such as t-tests and analysis of variance with free online calculators.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/stats-101-2025/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/Member-Month-graphics-2.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250320T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250320T133000
DTSTAMP:20260514T172242
CREATED:20250305T161448Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250305T161448Z
UID:21423-1742472000-1742477400@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Mushroom Cultivation for Diversified Farms
DESCRIPTION:Join this webinar to be introduced to a wide variety of different gourmet edible mushroom species and a range of cultivation techniques that can be easily integrated into your existing operational framework and landscape. A brief introduction to fungal anatomy\, behaviour and ecological niches will also be covered to set the stage for a thorough understanding of the needs and requirements of fungi to perform at their best. \nA few examples of these techniques and methods include the following: \n– Inoculated blocks of mushrooms including oyster (Pleurotus spp.) and lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) can be grown inside of greenhouses and hoop tunnels in direct association with vegetable crops\, allowing you to grow numerous crops in the same amount of space. \n– Alternatively\, shiitake (Lentinula edodes) and many other species including chestnut (Pholiota adiposa) can be cultivated on hardwood logs and allowed to mature and produce anywhere that adequate shade exists on site. Logs can take 8-12 months to mature before they start producing\, but can yield mushrooms for 5+ years. \n– Mushrooms can also be grown in buckets\, tubs\, beds of sawdust and wood chips\, straw mulch and many other cellulose and lignin rich materials that have the potential to be generated onsite. These can be stored and grown out in locations on site that are otherwise not used or unproductive. \nIn general\, mushrooms are a high value crop that are popular among chefs\, cooking enthusiasts as well as vegetarian and vegan communities. The waste substrate material\, rich in enzymes and metabolites as well as the mycelium of the fungi themselves\, make a top tier soil amendment and can even be sold and marketed as ‘mushroom compost’ for an additional revenue stream. \nTom Nagy is a restoration ecologist with a passion for botany\, sustainable agriculture\, and mycology. Tom has experience working as a field botanist\, environmental consultant and as a field and operations manager for a certified organic farm. In 2018\, Tom began River City Mushrooms; a small-scale mycological interest project based in Winnipeg that focuses on cultivating an appreciation for edible and medicinal fungi as well as supplying the knowledge and tools necessary for a new generation of mushroom growing enthusiasts to flourish. Tom continues to advocate for a greater understanding of how we perceive\, understand and develop relationships with the natural world by writing informative articles and conducting engaging public programs discussing native plant communities\, organic agriculture\, mushroom cultivation and wild foraging.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/mushroom-cultivation-for-diversified-farms-2025/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/Member-Month-graphics-4.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250319T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250319T191500
DTSTAMP:20260514T172242
CREATED:20250220T204708Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250226T155412Z
UID:21323-1742407200-1742411700@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Small Grains Winter Webinar Series: Monitoring Progress Toward Ecological Grain Growing
DESCRIPTION:If you’re a farmer working toward the goal of ecological or regenerative grain growing\, this session is for you. \nWhen farms are working to connect their agricultural work to natural systems and ecology\, traditional or conventional tools for assessing farming may not be helpful in informing future decisions. \nRuth will guide farmers to understand what parameters will be most helpful to understanding individual farm contexts\, introduce options for monitoring key indicators to measure progress\, and discuss what tools are available that are most applicable to regenerative/ecological farms. \nSpeaker: \nRuth Knight is a Professional Agrologist and Certified Crop Advisor with more than 20 years in independent consulting services for a variety of farming systems. Her experiences also include serving on the boards of the Maitland Conservation Foundation\, Organic Council of Ontario and Agricultural Adaptation Council. \nEFAO’s Small Grains Network is funded and supported by the Weston Family Foundation’s Soil Health Initiative.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/small-grains-winter-webinar-series-monitoring-progress-toward-ecological-grain-growing/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/zineb-fafa-ilmsrOUjCT8-unsplash.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250318T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250318T143000
DTSTAMP:20260514T172242
CREATED:20250221T145511Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250226T155024Z
UID:21330-1742302800-1742308200@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Understanding Your Soil Test: Part 1
DESCRIPTION:Taking soil tests both for nutrients and biology are important management techniques so that ecological farmers can increase yields\, improve crop quality\, reduce weed problems and improve soil health. Join Ken Laing for this free Member Month webinar to learn how to take a soil sample\, where to send it and help you understand the results when you get them back. You will leave with an understanding of what your nutrient and biological goals should be. \nJoin the second webinar where Ken will discuss what amendments and/or cover crops you might use to correct deficiencies you find. Learn more and register for Part 2 here. \nBoth webinars will be relevant to growers of all sizes. \nThis event is presented in partnership with Farmers for Climate Solutions and with funding support from the On-Farm Climate Action Fund. Find additional resources on the FaRM Learning Hub. \nKen Laing of Orchard Hill Farm has farmed with his wife Martha near St.Thomas since 1979 when he graduated from the University of Guelph with a B.Sc. in Agriculture. From 1979 until 1996 they produced pick-your-own fruit\, and they transitioned to organic in 1989. From 1997 until 2017 they operated a CSA for up to 250 members. Pasture has been a part of their farm rotation for 44 years in terms of draft horses and more recently since 2015 also with cattle and custom grazing.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/understanding-your-soil-test-part-1-2025/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/Member-Month-graphics.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250312T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250312T191500
DTSTAMP:20260514T172242
CREATED:20250226T165033Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250226T171507Z
UID:21368-1741802400-1741806900@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Small Grains Winter Webinar Series: Grain CSAs with Adagio Acres
DESCRIPTION:Many farmers are looking for ways to shorten supply chains\, produce food for their local communities and capture a fair price for the investment they put into raising crops ecologically. With field crops\, this can be especially challenging when standard models of marketing like CSA don’t apply. Or do they? \nCome out to learn how farmers in Manitoba are working together to grow staple crops for their community through a grain CSA! \nAmy Nikkel’s small organic farm\, Adagio Acres\, grows and mills hulless oats in the Interlake region of Manitoba. After selling oats primarily through retail and foodservice channels in Manitoba for about 6 years\, they began to see gaps in the industrial food distribution system and began to devise a way to fill those gaps. Growing up without a farming background\, the huge scale of prairie farming caught them off guard as they stepped into the world of food production. \nAdagio Acres now runs an annual Grain CSA where the primary goal is to create a supportive consumer base for a network of small-scale grain farms and mills across the province\, reduce food waste and food miles\, and create a vibrant local grain community.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/small-grains-winter-webinar-series-grain-csas-with-adagio-agriculture/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/SGWWS5.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250306T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250306T143000
DTSTAMP:20260514T172242
CREATED:20250218T193007Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250305T212010Z
UID:21310-1741266000-1741271400@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Crop Planning for Northern Ontario
DESCRIPTION:Are you a farmer\, gardener\, or community grower looking to make the most of Northern Ontario’s short and unpredictable growing season? Join us for an informative and practical webinar on crop planning in Northern Ontario\, designed to help you navigate the unique challenges of farming in northern climates. \nThis session will cover key strategies for optimizing production\, including: \n•    Selecting crops suited to northern conditions \n•    Succession planning to extend your harvest window \n•    Season extension techniques to mitigate early frosts and cold temperatures \n•    Software and tools to streamline your planning and record-keeping \nThis webinar is ideal for new and aspiring farmers\, community garden managers\, and anyone growing food in Northern Ontario. Whether you’re growing for market\, community food security\, or personal use\, you’ll come away with valuable insights to help you plan and succeed. \nDon’t miss this opportunity to gain practical knowledge and connect with other growers navigating similar challenges. \nAbout the speaker: \nEric Blondin and Peggy Baillie are the co-owners of Three Forks Farms\, a certified organic farm on Manitoulin Island\, Ontario. Since 2015\, they have focused on growing organic vegetables\, raising pasture-fed poultry\, and developing regionally adapted seeds suited to Northern Ontario’s climate. Their farm operates with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability\, community food security\, and financial viability. \nWith over a decade of experience in local food systems\, Eric and Peggy have built a farm that extends the growing season using polytunnels and innovative crop planning. They sell their produce through on-farm sales\, farmers’ markets\, a CSA program\, and wholesale partnerships with retailers and restaurants. Passionate about seed saving and regenerative agriculture\, they continue to support local growers by providing high-quality seeds and knowledge to strengthen food resilience in the North. \nThis webinar is part of EFAO’s Indigenous Outreach and Engagement Initiative\, which is supported by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture\, Food and Agribusiness.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/crop-planning-for-northern-ontario/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/winter-.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250305T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250305T210000
DTSTAMP:20260514T172242
CREATED:20250120T165755Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250120T201003Z
UID:21152-1741201200-1741208400@efao.ca
SUMMARY:NFU-O Presents: Farm Grants\, Loans\, and Financial Tools
DESCRIPTION:EFAO is pleased to be a supporting partner for this webinar series hosted by the National Farmers Union – Ontario! \n\n\nThis webinar is part of the NFU-O’s Cultivating Best Human Resource Practices on Small and Mid-scale Farms webinar series. Join for one session\, or for all! \nIs there a government or non-profit grant\, loan\, or financial tool to help support your business\, protect your property’s natural heritage\, or help you meet your HR needs? Learn about a variety of financial supports and receive grant writing tips from experts! \nSpeakers: TBA \n 
URL:https://efao.ca/event/nfu-o-presents-farm-grants-loans-and-financial-tools/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/Interpersonal-Dynamics-Training-Retention-Resources-Fundamentals.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250305T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250305T191500
DTSTAMP:20260514T172242
CREATED:20250212T182822Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250226T170103Z
UID:21297-1741197600-1741202100@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Small Grains Winter Webinar Series: Excellence in Wheat Growing
DESCRIPTION:Is excellence all about peak yield? Or can we strive for higher yields while dialling in management to protect the environment? \nThe Great Lakes Yield Enhancement Network (YEN) is one of a global series of YENs that help local farmers better understand their yield potential and learn what is limiting that potential. The goal of the YEN is to connect agricultural organizations\, extension specialists\, academics\, agronomists\, and farmers who are striving to improve crop returns by unlocking the potential of the field by closing the gap between potential yield and actual yield. \nGord Speksnijder farms in Northumberland\, and uses his experience in research and long farming history to work towards optimizing his production. As a provincial director for Quinte in the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association\, he knows the value of healthy soil to support crops. He’ll share his experience in the YEN program\, and how working towards higher wheat yields is balanced with the need to preserve strong ecosystem services. \nIn 2023\, alongside Parrish & Heimbecker\, Limited\, the Ontario Soil & Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA)\, and the Sustainable Food Lab\, Griffith Foods launched an innovative pilot program to promote regenerative agriculture in wheat farming. This initiative aims to enhance land stewardship and encourage best management practices among farmers\, boosting their resilience and productivity. \nAnne Jacobs from Griffith Foods will join us to discuss the company’s interest in regenerative agriculture\, what’s been learned through the pilot\, and what’s in the works for the future. \nEFAO’s Small Grains Network is funded and supported by the Weston Family Foundation’s Soil Health Initiative.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/small-grains-winter-webinar-series-excellence-in-wheat-growing/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250226T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250226T191500
DTSTAMP:20260514T172242
CREATED:20250205T195102Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250226T155711Z
UID:21262-1740592800-1740597300@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Small Grains Winter Webinar Series: Grain Farmer Meet & Greet
DESCRIPTION:Come out to meet like-minded farmers with similar goals as yourself. This session is all about sharing the successes\, challenges\, innovations and strategies that go into growing grain on YOUR farms. \nA few farmers from the Small Grains Network across Ontario will start us off with presentations\, followed by an open floor for folks to introduce themselves\, their operations\, share stories and ask questions. Prepare to hear about diverse rotations\, organic grain management\, using grains to bolster forages for livestock\, unique species & more! \nExpand your community\, make new connections\, and get inspired ahead of the growing season at this event. \nSpeakers: \nAndrew St. Jean farms south of New Hamburg\, with land on the border of both Oxford and Waterloo County. His home farm has been certified organic since 1999\, and Andrew has been farming organically on his own since 2014. On his farm he grows corn\, winter wheat\, hard red spring wheat\, barley\, soybeans and hay. Andrew continues to strive to find new ways to farm more efficiently looking to maximize his profit per acre instead of trying to farm more acres. \nFerme Houle Farm is a multi-generational\, family-owned and operated farm. Located in Curran\, Ontario\, we have now been proudly operating for nearly a century. From its humble beginnings as a mixed dairy and potato farm\, the last few decades have seen the farm shift its focus to cash crop operations and growing common grains such as corn\, soy\, buckwheat\, wheat\, and rye. ​​​​​​​Andre Houle started using regenerative agricultural practices in 2018 and obtained organic certification for the first time in 2021. The farm produces a multitude of products for both human and livestock consumption. \nEFAO’s Small Grains Network is funded and supported by the Weston Family Foundation’s Soil Health Initiative.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/small-grains-winter-webinar-series-grain-farmer-meet-greet/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250225T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250225T190000
DTSTAMP:20260514T172242
CREATED:20250205T200400Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250205T200511Z
UID:21267-1740506400-1740510000@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Plants are our Ancestors
DESCRIPTION:All Indigenous growers\, land stewards and community members are welcome to attend this webinar free of charge! Please use the coupon code PLANTS2025 when filling out the registration form to receive free admission. \nStarting with the condensed teaching of the four stages of creation\, with humankind being the fourth and final stage\, we learn about our fragility and interdependence with all those who have come before us. The Anishinabe have cultivated a reciprocal relationship with our plant ancestors\, understanding that life-healing medicine is constantly being offered and communicated through the plants. During Winter\, the earth’s resting time\, the Anishinabe share these teachings\, enriching our connection to the land and preparing us for the planting season ahead. \nThis webinar is part of EFAO’s Indigenous Outreach and Engagement Initiative\, which is supported by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture\, Food and Agribusiness. \n  \nChef Johl Whiteduck is the owner of NishDish Marketeria and Catering\, an award-winning small business that’s been reclaiming and serving traditional Anishinaabe food since 2005. Chef Johl’s journey of Indigenous Food Sovereignty has led him to founding Ojibiikaan Indigenous Cultural Network\, along with the first Indigenous Harvesters & Artisans market. He has spearheaded Indigenous gardens and a small business dedicated to Indigenous gardens called Miinikaan Innovation and Design\, and numerous community partnerships. His creation in 2017 of an Indigenous Culinary Arts curriculum\, a ceremonial in-depth land and food-based program\, led to some of the first traditionally planted Three Sisters gardens in the GTA. The gifts to Chef Johl of centuries-old ancestral seeds started the ongoing development of an extensive Indigenous seed bank. The expansion of NishDish’s Indigenous food gardens around the city laid the groundwork for the birth of a brand-new organization that Chef Johl founded in 2018\, called Ojibiikaan Indigenous Cultural Network. He is the founding Board President of the first and only not-for-profit dedicated to Indigenous Food Sovereignty in the GTA.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/plants-are-our-ancestors/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250219T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250219T210000
DTSTAMP:20260514T172242
CREATED:20250120T164423Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250120T201526Z
UID:21146-1739991600-1739998800@efao.ca
SUMMARY:NFU-O Presents: Planning\, Task Management\, & Delegation
DESCRIPTION:EFAO is pleased to be a supporting partner for this webinar series hosted by the National Farmers Union – Ontario! \n\n\nThis webinar is part of the NFU-O’s Cultivating Best Human Resource Practices on Small and Mid-scale Farms webinar series. Join for one session\, or for all! \nBeing a good manager means staying organized! Learn successful time-tracking\, strategic management and planning tips. Explore a variety of staff management approaches and how to motivate and evaluate staff. Learn how you can support employee routes to equity\, co-ops\, and/or other partnership. \nSpeakers: Carl Leslie\, Earth to Table: The Farm\, Susan Henry-Bassaragh\, Black Creek Community Farm and Ian Stutt\, Patchwork Gardens. \n    
URL:https://efao.ca/event/nfu-o-presents-planning-task-management-delegation/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250219T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250219T191500
DTSTAMP:20260514T172242
CREATED:20250204T001632Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250204T001632Z
UID:21239-1739988000-1739992500@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Small Grains Winter Webinar Series: Local Grain Processing
DESCRIPTION:Calling all grain growers\, millers\, distillers\, bakers and everyone interested in the connection between small grains and local food. \nWe keep hearing enthusiasm about eating local grains\, however there is a ‘missing middle’ in terms of resources for the farmers who grow grain to source options for cleaning\, processing and marketing. \nOur goal is to get interested stakeholders in the same Zoom-room to talk about what capacity already exists\, where the missing pieces are\, and how we can all support each other to grow this community. \nBring your experiences and be ready to share and brainstorm together – you won’t want to miss this conversation. \n  \nEFAO’s Small Grains Network is funded and supported by the Weston Family Foundation’s Soil Health Initiative.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/small-grains-winter-webinar-series-local-grain-processing/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
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