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DTSTART:20260308T070000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260608T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260608T200000
DTSTAMP:20260617T162901
CREATED:20260512T192935Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T132844Z
UID:54446-1780941600-1780948800@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Queer Rural Living in Ontario
DESCRIPTION:Through work connecting with 2SLGTBQIA+ farmers\, farm workers\, ag enthusiasts\, homesteaders and land stewards\, EFAO has discovered there may be more cool queer pals living in rural spaces than one might think. As folks with identities\, genders\, families and relationships that don’t fit into binary\, heteronormative categories\, the move to the country can be complicated. \nThis event brings together panelists to speak from lived experiences as queer and gender-diverse folks who have moved rurally to pursue their farming\, homesteading and land stewarding dreams. They’ll share candidly about the challenges and the beauty of queer rural life. We’ll save some time for questions\, audience sharing and discussion after our panelists present. \nPanelists may reflect on questions such as: How will I find a place I can afford to live? Will I be safe? Will I make friends? How do I access affirming medical care? How can I connect with community and the land? \nThis event aims to spotlight 2SLGTBQIA+ voices. Allies are welcome and encouraged to attend\, but please consider holding onto your questions or comments until community members have had a chance to speak. You’re always welcome to follow up with EFAO staff after the event if there wasn’t time for your question or comment to be addressed. \nSpeakers\n \nMaureen Bostock & Elizabeth Snyder\nElizabeth and Maureen have been together for 44 years. During that time we farmed in northwest British Columbia and since 2003 in eastern Ontario\, retiring in 2017.  We grew certified organic crops\, with a focus on vegetable production since we moved east. We started Queer organizing in Terrace in the 1980s and successfully won a human rights case against the City of Terrace in 2002.  We have always believed that being visible as queer people is the key to social change. Since moving to eastern Ontario we continued to organize with Elizabeth still being active with Queer Connection Lanark today. \nPhoto by Kat Sylvester \nKrys McGuire & Connor McCollum\nKrys discovered his love of growing food through the happy accident of living in a collective house with a backyard in Toronto and being underemployed for a summer. He went on to complete two seasons of internships on ecological farms before running a small farm business selling pastured pork & poultry for a half dozen years. Having shifted his focus to growing food on a personal level and ‘cultivating’ local queer community\, he now co-hosts the annual Maynooth Pride Festival\, alongside his partner Connor\, and many other local queers and allies who pitch in to make this celebration of rural queer pride a community-building event. \nConnor is a Queer Trans man living and growing food in “Gaynooth” Ontario. He moved here 17 years ago from Toronto after attending a Pride party of a couple hundred queers and allies in the middle of the woods\, complete with a bagpipe-led parade around a pond and fireside Irish music session. The healing power of walking in the woods\, listening to birds\, feeling the seasons change\, stacking wood with friends and campfire sing-a-longs sealed the deal for putting his roots down in this gay little town. For the past 3 years he and his partner Krys have been hosting the annual Pride party in Maynooth. \nJess Tong\nJess (she/they) is a first-generation\, queer farmer who has familial roots in China\, Hong Kong\, Singapore and Scarborough\, ON. After studying agriculture\, they worked on several farms throughout Ontario. Alongside their partner\, they started and operated a small market-garden that sold at Farmers’ Markets\, a Food Co-op and through a small CSA program. They have experience leasing land\, growing via incubatorships as well as purchasing/stewarding (and losing) farmland. Currently\, Jess works as the Land Access & Outreach Coordinator with the National Farmers Union of Ontario. They come into this work with the intention of building meaningful relationships with the land\, nourishing community connections and uplifting intersectional food sovereignty movements. These intentions are grounded by the past and present work already being done by amazing communities beyond them.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/queer-rural-living-in-ontario/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Virtual Meet-up
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/1_720-e1778614262879.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260608T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260608T131500
DTSTAMP:20260617T162901
CREATED:20260513T213407Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260521T161908Z
UID:54458-1780920000-1780924500@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Pasture Renovation: Meet-up with Ken Laing
DESCRIPTION:Join longtime EFAO member Ken Laing of Orchard Hill Farm for this quarterly meet-up. This time\, he’ll host an insightful discussion about his proven strategies and hard-earned lessons on boosting pasture production. He will dive into his personal experiences\, sharing the why\, how\, and benefits of renovating pasture land and how to enhance this with rotational grazing strategies. Following Ken’s short presentation\, there will be lots of time for questions and discussion among participants. \nThis event is offered in partnership with the Farmers for Climate Solutions’ Farm Resilience Mentorship Program (FaRM) and is an OSCIA-recognized Knowledge Sharing Event (KSE) for farmers with On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) projects in the Rotational Grazing Category. \n  \nIn 1979\, after Ken Laing graduated from the University of Guelph’s horticulture program\, he and his wife Martha started farming near St. Thomas\, ON. Orchard Hill Farm has produced a wide variety of small fruit\, vegetable and field crops organically since 1989. In 2020\, Orchard Hill Farm became the horticultural site for Living Labs (an Agriculture and Agri-food Canada program) in co-operation with the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario [EFAO]. The goal was to develop no-till strategies for organically grown vegetables.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/pasture-renovation-meetup-2026/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Virtual Meet-up
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/IMG_280C7B72EBF7-1.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260606T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260606T150000
DTSTAMP:20260617T162901
CREATED:20260501T160442Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260501T160629Z
UID:54374-1780750800-1780758000@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Soil Health in the Orchard
DESCRIPTION:Soil is the foundation of everything we grow. Come learn practical tests and techniques to understand and improve your soil\, and how fertility management strategies differ between annual and perennial crops. We’ll discuss how to take and interpret different types of soil tests\, how to calculate amendments\, and how our management techniques affect soil life and plant health. \nThis on farm workshop will be led by Matt Soltys of The Urban Orchardist and Meaghan Mechler\, PhD in plant agriculture and offered in partnership with Ignatius Farm. \nEarlier in the day\, participants have the opportunity to join us for a morning tour of the Ignatius Farm Small Plot Agriculture program.  Learn more and register here.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/soil-health-orchard-2026/
LOCATION:Ignatius Farm\, 5420 Hwy 6 North\, Guelph\, ON\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Field Day,Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/IMG_1765.CR2-1-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260606T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260606T120000
DTSTAMP:20260617T162901
CREATED:20260501T155857Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260526T222533Z
UID:54369-1780740000-1780747200@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Ignatius Farm Small Plot Tour
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a tour of Ignatius Farm’s small plot agriculture program. We will walk through the 3 acres of community gardens\, the community orchard\, and visit small plot tenants. We will stop at three tenant plots to hear about their businesses\, how they got started and how this model works for them. Businesses will range from vegetable production\, willow production\, and native plant propagation. Please dress for the weather. The ground may be wet/muddy and the wind can be very chilly in the open areas. \nBring your own picnic lunch and then enjoy one of two hands-on workshops on site in the afternoon. Workshop details available here: \nBuilding Biodiverse Growing Systems with Eramosa Herbals \nSoil Health in the Orchard with Matt Soltys of The Urban Orchardist and Meaghan Mechler\, PhD in plant agriculture  \n  \nAbout the tenant farmers: \nOrigin Native Plants is a dedicated native plant nursery specializing in the cultivation of over 265 different species of locally sourced native plants. Their focus includes providing plants and trees suitable for prairies\, meadows\, woodlands\, wetlands\, and various ecological restoration projects. In addition to their native plant offerings\, they also specialize in native edible gardens\, providing a diverse selection of fruit-producing trees\, bushes\, flowers\, and medicinal herbs. \nPiccolo Farm Organics (PFO) is owned and operated by Steve D’Alimonte & Lisa Lopez. 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. \nMarnie Lee McCourty is planting willow for weaving into baskets and caskets.  Her hope is to weave caskets with families and folks at end of life (or long in advance) so that they can have their wishes of Green Burial be met and a meaningful experience of emotion\, creativity\, purposefulness\, and memory is created. Willow grows in the Spring\, dances in the Summer\, goes to sleep in the Fall and is harvested in the Winter.  Enjoy the seasons of willow as you walk down the lane.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/ignatius-small-plot-2026/
LOCATION:Ignatius Farm\, 5420 Hwy 6 North\, Guelph\, ON\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Field Day
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/tractor_tine-raking-scaled-e1777651078667.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260527T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260527T130000
DTSTAMP:20260617T162901
CREATED:20260421T163718Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260421T163718Z
UID:54302-1779883200-1779886800@efao.ca
SUMMARY:May Seed Growers Meet-Up
DESCRIPTION:Join the May Seed Growers Meet-Up! \nThe Seed Growers Meet-Up is an informal lunchtime gathering for farmers\, seed growers\, plant breeders\, and anyone curious about saving seed. It’s a space to connect with others working with seed\, share what’s happening on your farm or in your garden\, and talk through the questions and ideas that come up throughout the season. \nEach meet-up is shaped by the people who join. Conversations often range from practical seed production topics—like crop planning\, isolation distances\, population sizes\, and seed cleaning—to broader discussions about seed systems\, breeding projects\, and the challenges and opportunities growers are navigating. \nWhether you’ve been producing seed for years or are just starting to explore it\, you’re warmly welcome. Bring your lunch\, your questions\, and your seed stories as we learn from one another and strengthen a community of growers working to produce diverse\, high-quality seed.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/may-seed-growers-meet-up/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Virtual Meet-up
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/2-10.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260526T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260526T203000
DTSTAMP:20260617T162901
CREATED:20260421T193829Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260421T193829Z
UID:54329-1779822000-1779827400@efao.ca
SUMMARY:May BIPOC Farmers Network Meet-up
DESCRIPTION:Join the May BIPOC Farmer Meet-Up  \nJoin us for a friendly gathering for farmers\, aspiring farmers\, farm workers and food justice workers who are Black\, Indigenous and people of colour. The focus of this meet-up will be northern food sovereignty\, building on conversations from the Nyéléni Forum and global food sovereignty movements. How does that work grow through our own farms\, communities and relationships? \nWe will also learn about free and accessible digital tools to help create a permaculture map of our growing spaces. The format will be relaxed and conversational. We’ll have an opening reflection\, followed by a short presentation / discussion and Q&A. This is a space to listen\, reflect\, and connect. As always\, feel free to bring a question you’re curious about. \nLooking forward to gathering!
URL:https://efao.ca/event/may-bipoc-farmers-network-meet-up/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Meet-up
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/BIPOC-Farmers-Network1-1-e1776799836789.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260429T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260429T203000
DTSTAMP:20260617T162901
CREATED:20260414T144709Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260414T144709Z
UID:54263-1777489200-1777494600@efao.ca
SUMMARY:April BIPOC Farmers Network Meet-up
DESCRIPTION:Join the April BIPOC Farmer Meetup!  \nHappy Spring! Join us for a friendly gathering for farmers\, aspiring farmers\, farm workers and food justice workers who are Black\, Indigenous and people of colour. We’re very excited to welcome Farmer Arnest Sebbumba (SARN Farms) who will share about preparing for the growing season\, collaborating with other farmers and expanding his operations. \nThe format will be relaxed and conversational. We’ll have a short opening reflection\, followed by our farmer presentation\, followed Q&A and discussion. We will have an open conversation about effective ways to sell / share / market the food we grow. From websites to co-op’s\, farmstands to markets\, how are you getting your food to the people? Come join the conversation and hear from some experienced growers! This is a space to listen\, reflect\, and connect. As always\, feel free to bring a question you’re curious about. \nLooking forward to gathering!
URL:https://efao.ca/event/april-bipoc-farmers-network-meet-up-2026/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Meet-up
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/Arnest-Sarn-Farms.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260428T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260428T203000
DTSTAMP:20260617T162901
CREATED:20260323T221800Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260415T174704Z
UID:54098-1777402800-1777408200@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Annual General Meeting
DESCRIPTION:You’re invited to EFAO’s Virtual AGM!   \nEFAO members are welcome to join us for this year’s virtual EFAO Annual General Meeting.  Learn about EFAO’s work over the past year and learn about exciting plans and projects for the coming year. As a membership-based organization\, we value and rely on your engagement. We hope you will join us from wherever you are — over dinner\, or while seed in the greenhouse\, or playing with kiddos!  All members who attend the AGM will be entered into a draw for a free conference pass and two nights of accommodation for the next EFAO Conference. \nNote: In accordance with EFAO’s bylaws\, all members are welcome to attend but only members who have active memberships for at least 30 days before the AGM (March 28\, 2026) are able to vote on motions.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/annual-general-meeting-2026/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026-AGM.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260427T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260427T130000
DTSTAMP:20260617T162901
CREATED:20260421T163053Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260421T163053Z
UID:54295-1777291200-1777294800@efao.ca
SUMMARY:April Seed Growers Meet-Up
DESCRIPTION:Join the April Seed Growers Meet-Up! \nThe Seed Growers Meet-Up is an informal lunchtime gathering for farmers\, seed growers\, plant breeders\, and anyone curious about saving seed. It’s a space to connect with others working with seed\, share what’s happening on your farm or in your garden\, and talk through the questions and ideas that come up throughout the season. \nEach meet-up is shaped by the people who join. Conversations often range from practical seed production topics—like crop planning\, isolation distances\, population sizes\, and seed cleaning—to broader discussions about seed systems\, breeding projects\, and the challenges and opportunities growers are navigating. \nWhether you’ve been producing seed for years or are just starting to explore it\, you’re warmly welcome. Bring your lunch\, your questions\, and your seed stories as we learn from one another and strengthen a community of growers working to produce diverse\, high-quality seed. \nCome celebrate International Seeds Day with others who are curious about seed work!
URL:https://efao.ca/event/april-seed-growers-meet-up/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Virtual Meet-up
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/2-10.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260414T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260414T141500
DTSTAMP:20260617T162901
CREATED:20260313T170325Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260326T142541Z
UID:54077-1776171600-1776176100@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Practical and Productive Vegetable Crop Rotations ft. Cover Crops
DESCRIPTION:Designing an effective crop rotation is one of the most important – and challenging – parts of managing a diversified vegetable farm. Join us for an informal\, practical meet-up and discussion focused on how three ecological vegetable farms approach crop rotation planning and how they include and highlight cover crops to benefit their farms. \nThis session will feature short presentations from three experienced vegetable farmers – Jeff Boesch\, Stephanie Laing and Reid Allaway – who will each share how they design and manage rotations on their farms. They’ll discuss the goals that guide their planning (such as soil health\, pest and disease management\, labor efficiency\, and crop productivity)\, processes they use to build and adapt their rotations over time\, and share about some of the challenges in their current processes. \nFarmers will share how they integrate cover crops into their rotations\, including where and when they fit them into tight production schedules\, what species they rely on\, and how cover crops support soil fertility and long-term resilience on their farms. \nAfter the presentations\, we’ll open the conversation for a casual discussion among participants. This will be a chance to ask questions\, compare approaches\, and learn from each other. \nWhether you’re refining an existing rotation or building one from scratch\, this interactive session will offer practical ideas\, examples from working farms\, and space for meaningful knowledge sharing and exchange. \nThis event is offered in partnership with the Farmers for Climate Solutions’ Farm Resilience Mentorship Program (FaRM) and is an OSCIA-recognized Knowledge Sharing Event (KSE) for farmers with On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) projects in the Cover Cropping Category. \nAbout the speakers: \n Since 2009\, Jeff Boesch and Leslie Moskovits have been running Cedar Down Farm with their two children and wonderful staff. They grow certified oganic product for a nearly year-round CSA program serving around 200 members through summer\, winter and spring. They grow on approximately 6 acres of land including 4 unheated greenhouses. \n  \n  \nFiddlehead Farm is a 10 acre market garden in Prince Edward County\, producing food ecologically since 2012. With the CSA at the core of what they do\, Stephanie Laing and her partner Heather have built up the farm to be a viable small business\, feeding 250 families year round with a small but mighty crew. Over the years they have worn many hats\, learning along the way\, and are happy to share their experiences. \n  \n  \nReid Allaway is passionate about farming and appropriate technologies\, ideally combined. A founding member of Tourne-Sol co-operative farm in les Cèdres\, Quebec\, Reid has been helping to build a successful CSA and organic seed enterprise while training future farmers and building cool stuff whenever time permits.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/vegetable-crop-rotations-2026/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Virtual Meet-up
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/IMG_2429.CR2_-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260409T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260409T143000
DTSTAMP:20260617T162901
CREATED:20260331T173528Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T173656Z
UID:54158-1775739600-1775745000@efao.ca
SUMMARY:The Past\, Present and Future of Canada’s Agricultural Policy Framework
DESCRIPTION:This event is hosted by the National Farmers Union (NFU) in collaboration with EFAO and Young Agrarians. Registration will take place through the NFU. \nThis is a moment for change! We need your voice to help shape the future of agriculture in Canada. \nThe Canadian Agricultural Policy Framework is the main funding framework for programs and services for farmers across Canada. Consultations are underway towards the Next Agricultural Policy Framework (NPF) – this means that the next few months are a very important time for farmer voices and advocacy! \nPolicies in this framework impact on-the-ground experiences of farmers and farm workers across the country. They are integral to Canada’s agricultural success\, not just today but for generations in the future. \nThe NPF represents billions of dollars of spending that sets the goals of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and provincial Ministries of Agriculture for the next five years. The NPF negotiations are a special opportunity to advocate for programs and policies that support Canadian farmers for years to come. This session is the first part of a series that the NFU is running in collaboration with Young Agrarians and the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario to hear from our members about what they want included in the NPF and to provide information on how to get involved. Be a part of grassroots organizing to shape the Canadian food system you want to see. \nBefore we look forward to the 2028-2033 NPF\, Naomi Robert will take us back in time to give us a historical view of how the goals of the framework have shifted over time and its treatment of support for family farms\, rural communities and sectoral growth. This narrative analysis sets the stage for the importance of grassroots advocacy on the NPF. \n\nThis first session will be followed up with an organizing session on Thursday\, April 16th (Noon PST / 1pm MST / 2pm SK\, MB / 3pm EST / 4pm AST) with event facilitators Ayla Fenton (Young Agrarians)\, Stuart Oke (EFAO)\, and Sophie McCafferty (Young Agrarians). They will walk through the consultation question by question\, using a survey guide to anchor answers around new farmer issues and local food system development. Your own perspective matters\, and we want to hear it! \nHere\, we’ll be turning knowledge into action! This session will be a guided conversation about how to mobilize and organize around what we learned in the knowledge-building session on April 9th. It will be a chance to learn about and dig into the NPF\, figure out what actually matters to you\, and fill out the public consultation together\, live. Register for both sessions today! \n  \nAbout the facilitators: \nNaomi Robert is a Senior Research and Extension Associate at the Institute for Sustainable Food Systems\, at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Her research\, teaching\, and community work focuses on regional food systems\, the impacts of neoliberalism in Canadian food and agricultural policy\, and how to center equity and ecological integrity through economic reform. Naomi is a founder of the Pacific Coastal Dry Farming Collaborative and co-chair of the Comox Valley Food Policy Council. \n\nSince 2013\, Ayla Fenton has worked on diverse agroecological farms throughout Anishnaabe and Haudenosaunee territories (eastern Ontario)\, learning how to live in right relations with the land through regenerative and community-oriented food production. For over a decade\, she has been organizing new and young farmers and farmworkers nationally through the National Farmers Union and internationally through La Via Campesina\, building collective power and advocating for the transition to agroecology\, food sovereignty and climate justice. Over the past several years\, she has developed an urban community farm and new farmer training program in her hometown of Kingston\, ON. She currently works as the Policy Manager for Young Agrarians\, organizing and advocating to improve access to land and capital for new and young farmers across Canada. She is excited to bring her social movements experience and a collaborative focus to this work.You can read more about Young Agrarians policy work at youngagrarians.org/policy. \nStuart Oke is the co-owner and operator of Rooted Oak Farm\, a certified organic CSA and market garden serving customers from Ottawa to Kingston. Alongside his work on the farm\, he is the Government Relations Coordinator at the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario. Stuart is deeply involved in agricultural policy and advocacy. He serves as a Director and Land Transition Research Coordinator for the National Farmers Union (Ontario) and sits on the Policy Working Group for Farmers for Climate Solutions. He is a current National Board member and previous Youth president of the National Farmers Union. He is a past Vice President of Canadian Organic Growers as well as Communications and Membership Manager at the Organic Council of Ontario. In addition to his farming and policy work\, Stuart co-produces and hosts the Sow and Grow Podcast\, which explores the forces shaping Canadian agriculture. \nPassionate about food\, community and ecology\, Sophie McCafferty (she/her) can usually be found with her hands in the ground. Currently completing a Master’s in Environmental Science at l’Université de Québec à Montréal (UQAM)\, Sophie’s research explores how market access impacts beginning farmer resilience. Her work takes a holistic\, transdisciplinary approach to environmental research\, stewardship\, and justice. She also is grateful for her time supporting the NDP agriculture critic\, MP Richard Cannings\, gaining insight into how federal politics can support grassroots initiatives.  Committed to amplifying farmers’ voices\, Sophie is currently working as the Farm Engagement Coordinator at Young Agrarians. Most of all\, Sophie loves spending time on the Hudson Heartbeet Community farm where she gets to ground her knowledge and spend time with the people she loves.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/canadas-agricultural-policy-framework-2026/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/rooted-oak-fields.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260401T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260401T143000
DTSTAMP:20260617T162901
CREATED:20260323T232733Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260323T232959Z
UID:54103-1775048400-1775053800@efao.ca
SUMMARY:2025 Adaptive Nitrogen Trial Results Webinar
DESCRIPTION:Join OSN\, EFAO\, and FCS FaRM for a webinar sharing results from the 2025 Adaptive Nitrogen Trials. \nThe Adaptive Nitrogen Trials are designed to help farmers dial in the most profitable nitrogen rates on their farms. These “plug-and-play” replicated strip trials look at 2 or 3 nitrogen rates in corn following cover crops\, helping generate practical insights that can be applied on-farm. \nDuring the first hour\, participants will hear from Jackie Clark (EFAO)\, Lorraine Vandermyden (OSN)\, and farmer participants about the trial setup\, key findings from 2025\, and what these results may mean for farms across Ontario. \nThe final 30 minutes will focus on program recruitment for 2026. Anyone interested in potentially joining the trial is welcome to stay and learn more about the opportunity. \nWhat you’ll learn \n\nHow the Adaptive Nitrogen Trials are set up\nWhy this trial matters for on-farm profitability and decision-making\nKey results and observations from the 2025 season\nHow the trial may apply across different farm contexts in Ontario\nWhat participation in the 2026 program could look like\n\nSpeakers \n\nJackie Clark\, EFAO\nLorraine Vandermyden\, OSN\nMadeline Rodrigue\, FaRM Agronomy Program Manager\, Eastern Canada\nFarmer participants\n\nAgenda \n1:00 PM – Introduction to presenters\, Overview of the Adaptive Nitrogen Trials: why the trial exists\, how it works\, and how it is set up \n1:15 PM – Presentation of 2025 results\, Discussion and audience questions \n2:00 PM – Optional: Information about the 2026 Adaptive Nitrogen Trials and opportunities to join the program
URL:https://efao.ca/event/ant-results-2025/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Virtual Meet-up
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/ANT-Webinar.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260326T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260326T194500
DTSTAMP:20260617T162901
CREATED:20260303T195101Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T195155Z
UID:53991-1774549800-1774554300@efao.ca
SUMMARY:The State of Small Grain Marketing
DESCRIPTION:Environmental- and soil-health-based initiatives (like EFAO’s Small Grains Program) are always encouraging farmers to diversify their corn-soy rotations with small grains like wheat\, oats\, barley and rye. However\, many farmers report back that the hardest part of incorporating these grains isn’t growing them – it’s selling them at a profit. We hear that feedback and are investigating some longer-term solutions in the small grains space. \nIn the meantime\, it’s important that growers equip themselves with as much information as possible to market their grain. This event will give a high-level overview about the existing opportunities for Ontario grain growers\, and where they can look to get the best return on their effort. Hear from two industry experts\, ask questions\, and prepare yourself for the season ahead! \nThis session is supported by EFAO’s Small Grains Program\, a project funded by the Weston Family Foundation’s Soil Health Initiative. \n  \nSpeakers: \nDana Dickerson is Director of Market Development and Sustainability at Grain Farmers of Ontario. She works to build and protect markets for Ontario‑grown grains\, both at home and around the world. Working on behalf of 28\,000 farmers who grow barley\, corn\, oats\, wheat\, and soybeans\, Dana focuses on creating new demand and strengthening existing markets across food\, feed\, fuel\, beverage\, and bioproduct sectors. She works closely with farmers\, processors and government to encourage value‑added processing in Ontario\, grow grain exports\, and support farmer sustainability. \n  \nComing from a dairy and beef background in Northumberland county\, Steve Duff completed a Masters in Ag Economics from the University of Guelph in 1996 focusing on trade liberalization in dairy between the US and Canada. After a year as policy researcher for the Ontario Milk Marketing Board\, Steve joined OMAFRA in late 1997. For close to 20 years\, Steve was OMAFA’s lead on business risk management programs. Steve is currently OMAFRA’s Chief Economist. Steve is an adjunct professor of agricultural economics at the University of Guelph. Steve and his wife Robyn operate a beef and cash crop operation.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/small-grain-marketing-2026/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/jim-witkowski-ZaVUNY5rHmY-unsplash-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260325T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260325T203000
DTSTAMP:20260617T162901
CREATED:20260310T224330Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T224330Z
UID:54036-1774465200-1774470600@efao.ca
SUMMARY:March BIPOC Farmers Network Meet-up
DESCRIPTION:Join the March BIPOC Farmer Meetup!  \nHappy Spring! Join us for a friendly gathering for farmers\, aspiring farmers\, farm workers and food justice workers who are Black\, Indigenous and people of colour. The focus of this meetup will be getting our growing season started! Supplies\, systems\, seeds\, crop planning and crowd sourcing our favourite sources of farming information. \nThe format will be relaxed and conversational. We’ll have a short opening reflection\, followed by a short farmer presentation / discussion and Q&A. \nWe will also hear from the Farmer Led Research Program about opportunities to join ongoing trials and a sneak preview from the Vegetable Growers Viability program. \nAs always\, feel free to bring a question you are curious about to the meeting. This is a space to listen\, reflect\, and connect. \nLooking forward to gathering!
URL:https://efao.ca/event/march-bipoc-farmers-network-meet-up-2026/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Meet-up
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/BIPOC-Farmers-Network1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260325T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260325T111500
DTSTAMP:20260617T162901
CREATED:20260305T172318Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T171946Z
UID:54011-1774432800-1774437300@efao.ca
SUMMARY:All Things Cover Crops: Meet-up with Ken Laing
DESCRIPTION:Longtime EFAO member Ken Laing of Orchard Hill Farm will be hosting quarterly online meet-ups open to all. Each conversation will be focused on a specific topic structured with a short presentation from Ken followed by lots of time for open conversation and questions from the group. \nIn March\, Ken will be hosting a meet-up all about cover crops. First\, he will highlight some of the many uses of cover crops on the farm including: \n\nweed control\nmaking some nutrients more available in the soil\nkeeping living roots in the soil\ncovering the soil to prevent erosion\nreducing soil temperature\nincreasing soil carbon for all the good things that produces\nand more!\n\nFollowing Ken’s short presentation\, the conversation will open to participant questions and ideas to share. \nThis event is offered in partnership with the Farmers for Climate Solutions’ Farm Resilience Mentorship Program (FaRM) and is an OSCIA-recognized Knowledge Sharing Event (KSE) for farmers with On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) projects in the Cover Cropping Category. \nAbout Ken: \nIn 1979\, after Ken Laing graduated from the University of Guelph’s horticulture program\, he and his wife Martha started farming near St. Thomas\, ON. Orchard Hill Farm has produced a wide variety of small fruit\, vegetable and field crops organically since 1989. In 2020\, Orchard Hill Farm became the horticultural site for Living Labs (an Agriculture and Agri-food Canada program) in co-operation with the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario [EFAO]. The goal was to develop no-till strategies for organically grown vegetables.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/all-things-cover-crops-2026/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Virtual Meet-up
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/1.7-June-18-2024-cover-crop-close-up-showing-maturity-level-at-termination.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260324T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260324T203000
DTSTAMP:20260617T162901
CREATED:20260226T181124Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T143330Z
UID:53415-1774377000-1774384200@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Exploring Your Farm Dream
DESCRIPTION:Exploring Your Farm Dream is designed for anyone thinking about starting a farm venture – whether your goal is to run a profitable farm as your primary livelihood\, develop a farm-based side business alongside off-farm work\, or grow food as a collaborative community project.  Inspired by a course run by the New England Small Farm Institute (NESFI) and then by FarmStart here in Ontario\, this program helps aspiring farmers explore what it takes to start and manage their own farm dream\, imagine what it could look like in practice\, and identify the key questions they still need to answer. \nCourse participants will be guided by two skilled facilitators and Ontario farmers over four two-hour sessions\, to set personal and farm goals\, assess available resources\, determine what type of farm business is a good fit\, and develop an action plan to guide their next steps. They will end the course with a farm business backgrounder document that they can use to guide their next steps.  \nEach participant that completes the course and the farm business backgrounder will receive free access to all 2026 EFAO summer programming\, including any webinars and field days. They will also be connected with a farmer in their region for a one-hour conversation or visit. \nIf you are a farmer or aspiring farmer living in Northern Ontario\, please use code farm26dream to register for free. \nIn order to make our training and community building events 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. \nCourse Outline: \nMarch 24: Introduction\, Visioning & Goal-setting \nMarch 31: Markets & Enterprises \nApril 7: Finances & Resources \nApril 14: Putting It All together \n  \nAbout the course facilitators: \nRav Singh supports the coordination of the BIPOC Farmers Network and winter education programming at EFAO. She is a young farmer and runs Shade of Miti\, an ecological farm that specializes in growing South Asian vegetables. Rav studied Environmental Science at the University of Guelph\, and worked as an environmental educator before becoming a farmer in 2021. She centers advocacy\, youth engagement\, climate action and food sovereignty in her work on and off the field. Outside of EFAO\, you can find Rav reading\, hiking or sketching. \n  \nWith an educational and professional background in community development and ecosystem restoration\, Angie Koch made a shift towards the farming life almost 20 years ago. She started Fertile Ground in 2008 as a solo venture on 2 acres of rented land just west of Waterloo. She now owns a farm near Hanover\, Ontario where she and her team provide a diversified vegetable diet to about 350 households from April-December. She has years of experience as a new farmer educator\, covering topics including start-up\, finances\, marketing\, botany\, crop planning\, record keeping\, organic gardening\, seed saving\, HR and more. \n  \nThis webinar is supported by funding from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario. \n 
URL:https://efao.ca/event/exploring-your-farm-dream-2026/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Course
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/Can-I-Save-it.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260324T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260324T130000
DTSTAMP:20260617T162901
CREATED:20260226T194816Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260304T191334Z
UID:53922-1774353600-1774357200@efao.ca
SUMMARY:March Seed Growers Meet-Up
DESCRIPTION:Join the March Seed Growers Meet-Up! \nMany growers are starting early seed crops\, organizing grow-outs\, and thinking through field layouts\, isolation distances\, and population sizes for the season ahead. \nThis informal lunchtime Seed Growers Meetup is a space to connect with other growers and seed-curious folks and share where you’re at in the process. Whether you’re starting your first seed crops\, preparing for spring planting\, or deciding which varieties to grow out and save seed from\, bring your questions\, observations\, and half-formed ideas. \nLast time\, we had great conversations about seed cleaning equipment\, how orchardists\, native seed growers\, field croppers\, market gardeners\, and seed companies are all approaching seed saving\, how potential changes to seed regulations could impact our work\, and ways to share breeding projects with others. We’re excited to keep those conversations going. \nAs part of EFAO’s Member Month\, this March meetup is free to everyone — members and non-members alike — making it a great time to join the conversation. \nBring your lunch\, your seed stories\, and your questions. Growers of all experience levels are welcome as we compare notes and head into the growing season together.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/march-seed-growers-meet-up/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Virtual Meet-up
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/1-12.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260319T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260319T194500
DTSTAMP:20260617T162901
CREATED:20260302T231702Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T172037Z
UID:53974-1773945000-1773949500@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Creativity in Cover Crops
DESCRIPTION:Many farmers are working to diversify their crop rotations for the health of their soil. If you’re aiming to stack benefits and hopefully provide more ecological and economic gain for your farm\, it may require some innovation. In this session you’ll hear from farmers and researchers about unique aspects of their work that incorporate cover crops using a variety of techniques. \nJulianna Tindall is a Master’s student at the University of Guelph working under Dr. Kim Schneider in the Forage and Service Crops Lab. Originally from a mixed dairy goat farm in Uxbridge\, Ontario\, she completed her undergraduate degree in Crop Science at the University of Guelph. She will present two cover crop grazing projects: one is on-farm with farmer co-operators and the other at the Ontario Beef Research Centre. Her work evaluates the impacts of grazing cover crops with sheep and beef cattle on annual cropland by assessing soil health indicators and subsequent crop yield. \nTom Barrie of Terwidlen Farms in Bowmanville is a long-time soil health champion\, using no-till methods long before they were mainstream\, and growing clover for forage and seed for 50+ years. He’ll speak to the lessons learned from years of experience growing high quality feed and seed. \nJess Pfisterer focusses on forage seed\, field crops and land-based partnerships at Pfisterer Ag in Kenilworth. She grows seed and promotes forage and cover crop options that support soil health\, rotation planning\, and long-term productivity. She’ll discuss a new approach: growing timothy as a cover crop between two years of soybeans. The concept follows a winter wheat-style window planting an early maturing timothy variety\, harvesting it in the spring as soon as it’s ready\, and then having options. The appeal is the “double duty” aspect\, soil coverage and root benefits\, but also a harvestable\, marketable forage crop. \nJoin us to learn more about creative ways to bring cover crops into your operation! \nPhoto credit: Photo by Mike Rankin\, Hay & Forage Grower \nThis event is offered in partnership with the Farmers for Climate Solutions’ Farm Resilience Mentorship Program (FaRM) and is an OSCIA-recognized Knowledge Sharing Event (KSE) for farmers with On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) projects in the Cover Cropping Category.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/creativity-in-cover-crops-2026/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/Cow-grazing-on-clover-768x512-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260309T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260309T143000
DTSTAMP:20260617T162901
CREATED:20260223T222922Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260223T222922Z
UID:53856-1773063000-1773066600@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Lunch & Learn with CBAN: Stop GMO Garden Seeds
DESCRIPTION:Genetically engineered (genetically modified or GM) garden seeds are being sold to home gardeners in Canada for the first time in 2026. Biotechnology companies are starting to target small seed companies\, market gardeners and independent garden centres with GM seeds and seedlings. What should our response be to protect our seeds and seed system from the impacts and risks that these new genetically\nmodified organisms (GMOs)? \nJoin the Canadian Biotechnology Action Network (CBAN) to learn more about the threat of GM garden seeds and the actions we can take to protect our seed and food system from increasing corporate control. For more information see cban.ca/SeedsAction.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/stop-gmo-garden-seeds-2026/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Meet-up
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/Screenshot-2026-02-23-at-5.27.49 PM.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260305T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260305T140000
DTSTAMP:20260617T162901
CREATED:20251125T193630Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260112T172252Z
UID:53246-1772712000-1772719200@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Enterprise Analysis (Part Two)
DESCRIPTION:Ellen Polishuk is back for Part 2! Learn how to analyze your farm enterprises to decide to add a new enterprise\, or cut an enterprise that isn’t working for your farm. Ellen will go over how to analyze factors such as what enterprises bring in the most income\, which make the best use of your resources\, which add stability or resiliency in the face of climate change and fickle markets\, which bring you joy\, and other lenses through which to examine how worthwhile an enterprise is to your farm. This is part two of a two part session. Participants are strongly encouraged to register for part one as well. If you missed it\, you can access the recording for $10 by emailing cassie@efao.ca. \nDo you track your income and expenses by enterprise? Email cassie@efao.ca if you would like Ellen to use your farm as a working model for this session\, and receive live coaching and support from a farm business expert. This opportunity is first come\, first served. \nIf you are a farmer or aspiring farmer in the north\, please use code ENT262 to register for free! \nThis webinar is supported by funding from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario. \n \n  \n  \n  \nAbout Ellen Polishuk\nEllen is a biological farm consultant and teacher. Ellen worked for 25 years as one of three owners of Potomac Vegetable Farms (PVF). She managed the Loudoun County location where they cultivated 20 acres of land using organic practices: 10 acres of vegetables and herbs\, 10 acres of soil building crops. PVF in total attended six farmers markets\, had two roadside stands and served a 550 member CSA in the Washington DC metropolitan area. In 2010\, while still farming\, Ellen started her consulting business\, working with local growers and land owners to develop fertility and production systems. She retired from farming in mid-2017 and now coaches farmers on production practices\, labor management\, soil testing and fertilizer recommendations\, and marketing. She also works with families and non-profits to assess their land resources for possible agricultural enterprises. \nFor many years she has presented workshops at conferences and meetings around the country on numerous agricultural topics including: composting\, marketing\, weed control\, farm business management\, soils and fertility\, and labor. She has worked closely with the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group (SSAWG) to develop and present Growing Farm Profits\, a two day intensive workshop to educate growers and service providers on how to keep records\, how to use them to analyze farm profitability\, and how to change management strategies to increase farm profits. You can learn more about her at Plant to Profit.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/enterprise-analysis-2/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/photo_hands-e1696364389311.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260304T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260304T133000
DTSTAMP:20260617T162901
CREATED:20260211T190657Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T190657Z
UID:53816-1772625600-1772631000@efao.ca
SUMMARY:People Powered Seed: Co-op and Community Models
DESCRIPTION:Ever wondered how we can work together to source\, grow\, and sell seed? \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~~~~~~~~~ \nJoin us for a deep-dive into the people-powered side of seed systems: cooperative seed growing models. In a world of hybrids\, patents\, and mysterious seed sourcing\, we’re spotlighting the folks doing things differently by doing things together! \nSpeakers: Christina Henatsch (Kultursaat\, Germany)\, Arzeena Hamir (Amara Farm\, BC)\, Owen Taylor (TrueLove Seeds\, Pennsylvania) \nWe’ll be talking about seed co-ops and community seed growing models: how they work\, who are involved\, and their benefits and challenges. We’ll focus on the cultures and the humans behind the seeds. Who’s doing the work? How are decisions made? What happens when farmers and breeders stop working separately and start collaborating? Whether you’re already deeply invested in the world of seeds\, or you’re just curious\, come be inspired by folks doing things differently!
URL:https://efao.ca/event/people-powered-seed-co-op-and-community-models/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/pps-webinar-e1770836668774.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260303T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260311T140000
DTSTAMP:20260617T162901
CREATED:20260223T204625Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260223T204625Z
UID:53852-1772542800-1773237600@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Exploring Open-Pollinated and Local Seeds
DESCRIPTION:Join us for this free participant-led\, guided discussion series exploring “the why” of diverse\, open-pollinated (“OP”)\, and climate resilient seed. This series is designed for aspiring and established market growers who are curious about integrating more OP and/or regionally developed and produced seed onto their farm\, and/or saving seed on their farm. \nAll program registrants will gain lifetime access to a suite of curated online resources to explore at their own pace\, diving into topics such as: \n\nSeeds and climate change\nThe breeding goals and processes of different kinds of seeds\nThe adaptive power of OP seeds\nThe seed industry and regional seed sourcing tools\nThe rationale for on-farm seed saving & prioritizing seed crops\n\nLearning materials and resources are primarily focused on vegetable crops. Each virtual discussion (60 minutes) will be an opportunity to: \n\nMeet like-minded growers\nAsk questions and discuss the virtual resources\nExplore the content’s relevance to your operation and on-farm challenges\nMeet commercial seed growers who can share from their experience\n\nThis series is presented by The Bauta Family Initiative on Canadian Seed Security\, a program of SeedChange. Space is limited\, register today! \nPlease note: This series includes three 1-hour virtual discussions taking place March 3\, 5th\, and March 11th (from 1:00 – 2:00pm Eastern time). You can indicate which sessions you will attend as part of registration.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/exploring-open-pollinated-and-local-seeds/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/OPDiscussion-e1771872760805.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260226T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260226T140000
DTSTAMP:20260617T162901
CREATED:20251125T204104Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251126T154551Z
UID:53263-1772107200-1772114400@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Opportunity Costs: Evaluating Profitability of Different Sales Channels
DESCRIPTION:Time is your most limited and valuable resource\, and you want to make sure you’re making the most of each hour of the day. While retail sales can command the highest price\, they also can take the most time. How do you evaluate whether it makes sense to sell wholesale to distributors or retail? In this session\, we’ll dig into some actual numbers from a small-scale farm to see how to analyze the numbers and make these kinds of decisions for your own business. \nIf you are a farmer or aspiring farmer in the north\, please use code OPPC26 to register for free! \nThis webinar is supported by funding from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario. \n \n  \n\nAbout Julia Shanks\nJulia Shanks brings a broad range of professional experience to her clients; from pilot\, to chef\, to serial entrepreneur\, she combines the practicality of an accountant with the creativity of a chef. Julia’s career started at the FAA as an aviation analyst\, and quickly took a turn into the culinary arts. Julia worked as a chef for 15 years\, launching several food businesses. After earning an MBA in entrepreneurship\, she taught graduate and undergraduate accounting at Babson College. As a business consultant and coach\, she supports owners of small- and medium- sized food and agricultural businesses to achieve and maintain financial and operational sustainability and also offers online training courses. Together with Brett Grohsgal\, she co-authored The Farmers Market Cookbook. Julia lives in Cambridge\, MA. She is also the author of The Farmer’s Office. \n 
URL:https://efao.ca/event/opportunity-costs/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/sg-photo.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260225T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260225T203000
DTSTAMP:20260617T162901
CREATED:20260217T163049Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260217T163049Z
UID:53836-1772046000-1772051400@efao.ca
SUMMARY:February BIPOC Farmers Network Meet-up
DESCRIPTION:Join the February BIPOC Farmer Meetup!  \nJoin us for a friendly gathering for farmers\, aspiring farmers\, farm workers and food justice workers who are Black\, Indigenous and people of colour. This meetup will focus on the season ahead\, global farmer solidarity & agroecology\, and how local farming realities connect to global movements for food sovereignty\, justice\, and collective care. \nThe format will be relaxed and conversational. We’ll have a short opening reflection\, followed by a short presentation / discussion and Q&A. This is a space to listen\, reflect\, and connect. \nAs always\, bring a question you’re curious about – from Global farmer solidarity to getting started on rented land\, sourcing cultural seeds\, winter community events\, prepping new land or building high tunnels\, cultural crop planning\, and managing time and workload. \nLooking forward to gathering!
URL:https://efao.ca/event/february-bipoc-farmers-network-meet-up-2026/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Meet-up
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/DSC_0716-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260225T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260225T140000
DTSTAMP:20260617T162901
CREATED:20251125T210812Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251216T160459Z
UID:53274-1772020800-1772028000@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Cost of Production: Time to Level Up
DESCRIPTION:If you don’t know what it costs you to grow one single thing\, you are not really running your farm as a business! You cannot price your products\, or make financially sound business decisions without understanding your full cost of production. Ellen Polishuk of Plant to Profit will walk participants through how to calculate your cost of production for farm products\, and explain why it matters for decision making. Glen Young of Cold Springs Organics will provide working examples of his own cost of production and how he uses that data to make production and pricing decisions on his farm. \nIf you are a farmer or aspiring farmer in the north\, please use code COST26 to register for free! \nEllen Polishuk is a biological farm consultant and teacher. Ellen worked for 25 years as one of three owners of Potomac Vegetable Farms (PVF). She managed the Loudoun County location where they cultivated 20 acres of land using organic practices: 10 acres of vegetables and herbs\, 10 acres of soil building crops. PVF in total attended six farmers markets\, had two roadside stands and served a 550 member CSA in the Washington DC metropolitan area. In 2010\, while still farming\, Ellen started her consulting business\, working with local growers and land owners to develop fertility and production systems. She retired from farming in mid-2017 and now coaches farmers on production practices\, labor management\, soil testing and fertilizer recommendations\, and marketing. She also works with families and non-profits to assess their land resources for possible agricultural enterprises. \nFor many years she has presented workshops at conferences and meetings around the country on numerous agricultural topics including: composting\, marketing\, weed control\, farm business management\, soils and fertility\, and labor. She has worked closely with the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group (SSAWG) to develop and present Growing Farm Profits\, a two day intensive workshop to educate growers and service providers on how to keep records\, how to use them to analyze farm profitability\, and how to change management strategies to increase farm profits. You can learn more about her at Plant to Profit. \nThis webinar is supported by funding from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario. \n \n  \n  \nAbout Ellen Polishuk\nEllen is a biological farm consultant and teacher. Ellen worked for 25 years as one of three owners of Potomac Vegetable Farms (PVF). She managed the Loudoun County location where they cultivated 20 acres of land using organic practices: 10 acres of vegetables and herbs\, 10 acres of soil building crops. PVF in total attended six farmers markets\, had two roadside stands and served a 550 member CSA in the Washington DC metropolitan area. In 2010\, while still farming\, Ellen started her consulting business\, working with local growers and land owners to develop fertility and production systems. She retired from farming in mid-2017 and now coaches farmers on production practices\, labor management\, soil testing and fertilizer recommendations\, and marketing. She also works with families and non-profits to assess their land resources for possible agricultural enterprises. For many years she has presented workshops at conferences and meetings around the country on numerous agricultural topics including: composting\, marketing\, weed control\, farm business management\, soils and fertility\, and labor. She has worked closely with the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group (SSAWG) to develop and present Growing Farm Profits\, a two day intensive workshop to educate growers and service providers on how to keep records\, how to use them to analyze farm profitability\, and how to change management strategies to increase farm profits. You can learn more about her at Plant to Profit. \nAbout Glen Young\nGlen Young is the owner of Cold Springs Organics\, a certified organic vegetable farm in Port Hope\, Ontario\, serving customers from Cobourg to Toronto through a thriving CSA program\, farmers’ markets\, and prepared foods. Drawing on a professional background in information technology and business process design\, Glen has developed practical\, data-driven systems to track farm costs\, measure profitability\, and streamline operations—bridging ecological farming values with sustainable business management. \nAt Cold Springs Organics\, Glen applies detailed cost of production analysis to guide crop planning\, pricing\, and decision-making\, and implements high-tech labour tracking and farm automation tools such as Zapier to save time\, improve accuracy\, and increase profitability. Passionate about knowledge sharing and committed to a future with many successful small farms\, he combines hands-on farming experience with technical expertise to help other farmers adopt efficient\, scalable\, and resilient systems.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/cost-of-production/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/money.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260224T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260224T170000
DTSTAMP:20260617T162901
CREATED:20251208T191459Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251208T191459Z
UID:53402-1771945200-1771952400@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Vegetable Crop Disease Management
DESCRIPTION:This webinar is part of the Introduction to ecological vegetable growing with Ignatius Farm webinar series offered in partnership between EFAO and Ignatius Farm. You can register for the whole series at a discounted rate here. \nIf you live in northern Ontario\, you are welcome to attend this webinar free of charge – please use the coupon code DISNORTH when filling out the registration form to receive free admission. \nAll Indigenous growers\, land stewards and community members are welcome to attend this webinar free of charge – please use the coupon code IND2026 when filling out the registration form to receive free admission. \nVegetable Crop Disease Management\nIdentifying and managing plant diseases can be tricky. Join us for this introduction into what plant diseases are\, how to identify them\, and what you can do to prevent and control them. A recording of this webinar will be available. \nSpeaker: Katie Goldehar\, Pathologist – Horticulture Crops\, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture\, Food and Agribusiness \n  \n  \nThis webinar is supported by funding from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/disease-management-2026/
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:20260224T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260224T130000
DTSTAMP:20260617T162901
CREATED:20260119T165745Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260119T165745Z
UID:53662-1771934400-1771938000@efao.ca
SUMMARY:February Seed Growers Meet-up
DESCRIPTION:Join the February Seed Grower Meetup!  \nFebruary sits right on the edge between winter reflection and spring anticipation. While the fields are still quiet\, seed growers are deep in planning mode — reviewing notes\, refining crop plans\, ordering seed\, and making decisions about which varieties to grow out and save seed from in the coming season. \nThis informal lunchtime Seed Growers Meetup is a space to connect with other growers and seed-curious folks and share where you’re at in the process. Whether you’re finalizing crop plans\, thinking through isolation distances and population sizes\, preparing for seed starts\, or juggling questions about capacity and scale\, bring your questions\, observations\, and half-formed ideas. \nTogether we’ll talk about what’s shaping growers’ seed plans this year\, how decisions are being made about varieties and grow-outs\, and what questions are coming up as we move closer to spring. We’ll also share updates on upcoming seed-related events\, opportunities to get involved\, and ways to support one another in the months ahead. As always\, the goal of this meetup is to learn together and support one another in growing a wide diversity of high-quality seed in the quantities growers need. \nBring your lunch\, your seed stories\, and your curiosity. Growers of all experience levels — from long-time seed producers to those just starting out — are warmly welcome. \nLet’s gather\, compare notes\, and keep strengthening our seed-growing knowledge together.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/february-seed-growers-meet-up/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Virtual Meet-up
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260219T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260219T170000
DTSTAMP:20260617T162901
CREATED:20251208T185713Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251208T185749Z
UID:53387-1771513200-1771520400@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Weed Management
DESCRIPTION:This webinar is part of the Introduction to ecological vegetable growing with Ignatius Farm webinar series offered in partnership between EFAO and Ignatius Farm. You can register for the whole series at a discounted rate here. \nIf you live in northern Ontario\, you are welcome to attend this webinar free of charge – please use the coupon code WDNORTH when filling out the registration form to receive free admission. \nAll Indigenous growers\, land stewards and community members are welcome to attend this webinar free of charge – please use the coupon code IND2026 when filling out the registration form to receive free admission. \nWeed Management\nWhat are some common weeds and how do we manage them on a farm? This webinar will introduce the importance of managing weeds\, the basics of weed identification\, and various preventative and reactive control measures. A recording of this webinar will be available. \nSpeaker: Mike Smith\, Guelph Centre for Urban Organic Agriculture \n  \n  \nThis webinar is supported by funding from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/weed-management-2026/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/IMG_3285.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260218T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260218T140000
DTSTAMP:20260617T162901
CREATED:20251126T164530Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251126T164530Z
UID:53268-1771416000-1771423200@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Pathways to Profitability: Tracking Farm Labour
DESCRIPTION:Most farmers did not start growing food because they love record keeping. However\, the only way for farm businesses to be viable in the long run is to have a solid understanding of their farm’s income and expenses. Labour tends to be the largest and most variable expense on specialty crop farms\, and learning how to track it is essential for determining which crops are profitable and where change may make the biggest difference. \nCome hear farm viability specialist and labour tracking expert John Hendrickson lay out the why and how of tracking labour on the farm. He will offer a range of strategies and tools that can help make the task achievable and purposeful. Farmers will also share their experiences tracking labour using both high and low tech methods\, offering a range of possibilities to choose what suits your farm. Participants will leave equipped with the tools to accurately track labour to help make accurate and useful cost of production calculations\, as well as the motivation and mindset to start doing this in an intentional way. \nThis webinar is supported by funding from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario. \nIf you are a farmer or aspiring farmer in the north\, please use code PAPR26 to register for free! \n \n  \n  \n  \nAbout John Hendrickson\nJohn Hendrickson coordinates research and training programs in organic and sustainable specialty crop production\, marketing\, and profitability at the Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His work focuses on the economics and profitability of fresh market vegetable farming. He is particularly passionate about farm viability as it relates to farm scale\, livelihood\, labor\, and equipment. \n  \n  \n  \n  \nAbout Glen Young\nGlen Young is the owner of Cold Springs Organics\, a certified organic vegetable farm in Port Hope\, Ontario\, serving customers from Cobourg to Toronto through a thriving CSA program\, farmers’ markets\, and prepared foods. Drawing on a professional background in information technology and business process design\, Glen has developed practical\, data-driven systems to track farm costs\, measure profitability\, and streamline operations—bridging ecological farming values with sustainable business management. At Cold Springs Organics\, Glen applies detailed cost of production analysis to guide crop planning\, pricing\, and decision-making\, and implements high-tech labour tracking and farm automation tools such as Zapier to save time\, improve accuracy\, and increase profitability. Passionate about knowledge sharing and committed to a future with many successful small farms\, he combines hands-on farming experience with technical expertise to help other farmers adopt efficient\, scalable\, and resilient systems.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/pathways-to-profitability-labour/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260217T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260217T143000
DTSTAMP:20260617T162901
CREATED:20251210T191952Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260120T142010Z
UID:53432-1771333200-1771338600@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Northern Latitudes: Sourcing and Saving Seeds from Similar Climates
DESCRIPTION:Latitude is one of the strongest drivers of climate and seasonal photoperiod (day length). Together\, these factors shape which crops can thrive in a region\, when they should be planted\, their potential yield\, and—most importantly for seed growers—whether a variety can reliably complete its full seed-to-seed cycle. Seeds originating from regions with similar latitudes in Europe and Asia are therefore often well-adapted to Canadian conditions. \nFor seed growers in northern climates\, understanding where a seed comes from—geographically\, genetically\, and culturally—is essential. Yet sourcing seeds from abroad can also bring practical\, agronomic\, and logistical challenges. \nIn this webinar\, three farmers will share how they obtain seeds from comparable northern latitudes and the stories behind the varieties they steward. \n\nAndrew Still and Sarah Kleeger (Adaptive Seeds\, Oregon) will reflect on their Seed Ambassador travels through Russia\, Latvia\, Lithuania\, Switzerland\, Denmark\, and Romania more than a decade ago.\nTheo Wiederkehr (Carrick Seeds\, Ontario) will demonstrate how he navigates the NordGen gene bank and discuss his deep interest in grey peas.\nHeather Ramsey (Umi Nami Farm\, BC) will explain her farm’s motivations for sourcing seed from Japan and what they appreciate about varieties from Watanabe Seed.\n\nWhether through traveling and exchanging seeds\, purchasing from foreign seed companies\, or accessing public gene banks\, participants will gain insight into sourcing and growing seeds from similar latitudes—and\, just as importantly\, into how knowledge\, traditions\, and cultural foodways travel with seed.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/northern-latitudes/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
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END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR