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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240313T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240313T141500
DTSTAMP:20260513T014950
CREATED:20240227T211446Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240229T161145Z
UID:18902-1710334800-1710339300@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Don’t Farm Naked - An Introduction to Cover Crops
DESCRIPTION:March is Member Month at EFAO! Every March\, we offer a series of events to prospective members at free or discounted rates\, to give folks a chance to experience membership without the commitment. Members who join EFAO or renew in March (regardless of when their membership expires) will be entered to win 3 books of their choice from New Society Publishers! Visit the EFAO membership page for more details. \nKen Laing presents this EFAO/FaRM webinar which will include an introduction to cover crop use\, including: \n\nWhy they are used\nHow they are used\nSpecies to use\nSeed sources\nFertility needs\nPlanting strategies\nTermination strategies\nExamples covered for both vegetable and field crops\n\nThis webinar will include a Q&A session after the presentation as well\, so bring your questions! Ken will also speak briefly about his work as a mentor with the Farmers for Climate Solutions FaRM program\, including how you can connect with him for more insights. \nThis webinar is part 1 (of 2) of Ken’s Cover Crop winter series. You can attend either or both sessions\, and register for Part 2 “Cover Crops Make Organic No-Till Possible” here. \nAbout the speaker \nKen (he/him) grew up on a farm near the town of St. Mary’s. When he studied at the University of Guelph\, Ken’s passion for agriculture led him to earn a degree in horticulture. After completing his studies he moved with his wife\, Martha\, to Martha’s family farm and established Orchard Hill Farm in 1979. For the first phase of their farming career they produced pick-your-own strawberries\, raspberries\, peaches and elderberries. They purchased their first team of draft horses in 1980. In 1989 they began the transition to organic farming and grew some grain crops in addition to the fruit. In 1997 Martha and their daughter Ellen started a small CSA garden producing vegetables to help pay for Ellen’s university tuition. Over the years the CSA became the main enterprise on the farm\, and today livestock is a major focus. From 2020-2023 Ken ran no-till organic vegetable trials with Living Labs – Ontario and EFAO.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/dont-farm-naked-an-introduction-to-cover-crops/
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:20240312T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240312T140000
DTSTAMP:20260513T014950
CREATED:20240304T162734Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240304T162734Z
UID:19009-1710248400-1710252000@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Loop Resource: Redistributing Food Waste to Farms
DESCRIPTION:March is Member Month at EFAO! Every March\, we offer a series of events to prospective members at free or discounted rates\, to give folks a chance to experience membership without the commitment. Members who join EFAO or renew in March (regardless of when their membership expires) will be entered to win 3 books of their choice from New Society Publishers! Visit the EFAO membership page for more details. \nSave money on feed and prevent grocery store “waste” from ending up in the landfill! \nLoop Resource is a program that connects farmers with their local grocery store to pick up food that stores can’t sell in order to feed their animals. This organization started in 2018 in Dawson Creek\, BC\, by a farmer\, Jaime White\, who found that he was working a full-time job in order to feed his animals\, but felt that there had to be a better way so that he could spend more time with his family. He got in touch with his local grocery store to see if they’d be willing to share their unsellable food with him\, and Loop was born. Since then\, they’ve grown to serve almost 4000 farms across Canada and over 350 stores\, and have diverted over 191 MILLION pounds of food from the landfill! \nMeet Jaime and learn more about how Loop works — and how you can get involved — at this FREE member month Q&A! \nMore about Loop \nThe team at Loop believes that food should always be put to its highest and best use\, so wherever possible\, the food goes to charities first (only what they need with no waste management burden) and then farms next to feed their animals. What farmers can’t use goes into their compost pile\, and the loop continues. \nSome typical items that farmers receive in pickups are produce like wilted lettuce\, squished tomatoes\, soft apples and bags of salad mixes. They also get dairy\, like milk past its best-before date\, deli items like fruit or sandwiches\, meat and seafood for dogs and cats\, and other grocery items. \nMembers can learn more about Loop Resource at loopresource.ca \nAbout the speaker \nJaime White is New Projects Director at Loop Resource. Jaime was raised in central BC and currently lives on a farm near Dawson Creek\, BC with his family. Loop was formed to divert unsold food from grocery stores away from the landfill towards charities and to networks of local farms that use it as animal feed. As one of the first farms participating in Loop when it began in 2017\, and with his background in business\, Jaime set up the waivers and insurance that grocery stores required. His continued involvement has helped Loop expand coast to coast in Canada.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/loop-resource-redistributing-food-waste-to-farms/
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-2.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240307T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240307T150000
DTSTAMP:20260513T014950
CREATED:20240228T202241Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240229T191238Z
UID:18936-1709816400-1709823600@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Seed Sovereignty Mini-School: Embark on Your Seed Keeping Journey
DESCRIPTION:Welcome to Seed Sovereignty Mini-School!\nThe content of this event is geared towards Indigenous growers\, land stewards and community members\, who are invited to access this webinar free of charge! Please use the coupon code SDSCH1 at registration to receive free admission.  \nAll are welcome to attend this two-session webinar series. \nSession #1: Embark on Your Seed Keeping Journey – Mastering the Basics\nJoin Tiffany Traverse for this introductory session designed to help build confidence in choosing\, growing and saving seeds for and from your garden\, using varieties suited to your (and your community’s) specific needs and climatic conditions.  \nTogether\, we’ll explore: \n\nUnderstanding the language on seed packets\nDiscussion of climate zones\nIsolation distances for growing seed\nThe life cycle of seeds\nThreshing\, winnowing\, wet processing\, and storing seeds\nSeason extension\nAdapting for change (drought\, frost\, flood\, food shortage/inflation\, etc.)\nSelecting varieties suited for food storage & preservation (cold storage\, drying\, canning\, etc.)\n\nRegister for Session #2: Cross-Generational Seed Stewardship – Bridging the Past\, Present\, and Future \n  \nAbout the speaker: Tiffany Traverse is an Indigenous seed and land steward at Fourth Sister Farm\, a guest in the Peace Region of what’s now known as BC\, on Treaty 8 territory\, homeland of the Dane-zaa peoples. Having grown up on her Great Grandparent’s homestead\, on her peoples’ traditional Secwépemc territory in the Columbia Valley\, Tiffany’s love for growing food and stewarding the land\, comes as naturally as breathing. \nLiving now in northeastern BC\, she continues to foster the belief that if you care for the land\, it will give back to you in droves. Having the privilege of arable land access and a passion for community-led research\, has given Tiffany the ability to participate in variety trials through CANOVI and Seed Savers Exchange\, as well as the Seed Seva Seasonal Mentorship program with Rowen White. Her path has also led her to help conduct a large grow-out and stewardship of rare Indigenous seed under the mentorship of Métis Seedkeeper Caroline Chartrand. \n  \nMarch is Member Month at EFAO! Join EFAO or renew in March and you’ll be entered to win 3 books of their choice from New Society Publishers! Visit the EFAO membership page for more details. \nThis webinar is part of EFAO’s Indigenous Outreach and Engagement Initiative\, which is supported by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture\, Food and Rural Affairs. \nIn order to make our events accessible to all current and aspiring farmers in Ontario\, EFAO uses a “pay what you can” model. To register using this model\, please complete this form!
URL:https://efao.ca/event/mastering-the-basics/
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:20240306T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240306T153000
DTSTAMP:20260513T014950
CREATED:20240215T171042Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240215T171042Z
UID:18777-1709733600-1709739000@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Lessons from the Breadlab: Participatory Plant Breeding
DESCRIPTION:Plant breeders put a lot of effort into developing new\, high quality varieties\, but have you ever wondered who tells them what to breed for? And how do we decide what makes a quality variety? These are some of the questions being asked at Washington State University’s Breadlab\, where researchers and plant breeders work closely with farmers and bakers through participatory plant breeding (PPB). \nJoin us on March 6th to hear stories from Robin Morgan\, crop science PhD student and plant breeder at the Breadlab. Robin will challenge assumptions about the plant breeding process and share lessons he has gleaned through his seed work at home in rural Italy and with the Breadlab about working with farmers to shift priorities in grain breeding – bringing regional culture\, flavour\, and nutrition back into the loaf. \nRegister today to join us for a hit of mid-Winter inspiration and some great discussion! \nSpeakers: Robin Morgan (Breadlab)\, Michelle Carkner and Dr. Martin Entz (University of Manitoba)\, Alison Squires (Upland Organics) \nLearn more about Robin Morgan and WSU Breadlab here.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/lessons-from-the-breadlab/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240306T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240306T140000
DTSTAMP:20260513T014950
CREATED:20240131T193437Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240131T193437Z
UID:18641-1709730000-1709733600@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Small Grains Winter Webinar Series - Organic Weed Management for Small Grains
DESCRIPTION:Managing small grains organically can be a challenge when it comes to crop protection. It’s important to know what tools are available in your organic farming toolkit to manage weeds and other pests to produce the best yields and quality grains possible. \nDr. Martin Entz is a professor in the Department of Plant Science at the University of Manitoba and inaugural Jarislowsky Chair in Natural Systems Agriculture for Climate Solutions. His research focuses on ecologically-integrated farming systems and empowering farmers with the knowledge and other tools required to design sustainable farming systems adapted to where they live. He’s well-versed in growing small grains\, and has been involved in the Bauta Family Initiative on Canadian Seed Security’s participatory plant-breeding programs\, which empower farmers to make their own plant selections. Dr. Entz knows how challenging it can be to be an ecological farmer – and he’s got plenty of knowledge to share! \nEFAO’s Small Grains Network is funded and supported by the Weston Family Foundation’s Soil Health Initiative. \n 
URL:https://efao.ca/event/organic-weed-management/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/5-March-6.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240304T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240304T203000
DTSTAMP:20260513T014950
CREATED:20240215T174223Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240229T160723Z
UID:18781-1709578800-1709584200@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Season Extension
DESCRIPTION:March is Member Month at EFAO! Every March\, we offer a series of events to prospective members at free or discounted rates\, to give folks a chance to experience membership without the commitment. Members who join EFAO or renew in March (regardless of when their membership expires) will be entered to win 3 books of their choice from New Society Publishers! Visit the EFAO membership page for more details. \nAre you curious about the best use of time and space for your operations? Have you incorporated season extension into your plans? Whether you are interested in starting the season sooner or carrying on for longer – this webinar will explore both options for growing in ‘the shoulder seasons’ with insights and examples from Leslie of Cedar Down Farm and Fraser of Aldergrove Organic Farm. Topics addressed will include greenhouse growing\, heat and no-heat scenarios\, crop planning\, and how season extension can impact sales and labour year-round. There will be opportunities to ask questions of both speakers as well.  \nAbout the speakers \nLeslie Moskovits (she/her) owns and manages Cedar Down Farm near Neustadt\, ON\, Saukiing Anishnaabekiing territory\,  with her partner Jeff Boesch.  We farm with a team of dedicated co-farmers – Jess Martin and Ahren Hughes and others who join seasonally.  Cedar Down grows diverse certified organic vegetables for a 200-ish member CSA program providing spring\, summer and winter shares to a local membership and to members in Guelph\, ON.  We also grow veggies for other small local food businesses such as the Conscious Farm Kitchen.  We grow veggies in the field and in 4 hoophouses for about 7 acres of vegetable production and manage about 20 acres total with cover crops for garden rotation.  Cedar Down is committed to serving our community high quality food\, building community relationships and providing meaningful\, equitable and enjoyable employment for our farm team. \nMichael Fraser\, (“Fraser”\, he/him) is the owner/operator of Aldergrove Organic Farm. Located north of Mount Forest in Grey county\, the traditional territory of the Annishnaabek Nation. With the help of six full time seasonal employees\, Aldergrove grows vegetables and cut flowers for two Toronto farmers markets. Growing for market since 2016\, Fraser understands the benefits of season extension growing vegetables in zone 5b. Aldergrove farm currently has under 2 acres in intensive market garden production\, with just over 3/8 acre (17000 sq ft) in protected culture. He looks forward to sharing his experience in season extension with you.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/season-extension/
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:20240228T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240228T210000
DTSTAMP:20260513T014950
CREATED:20240129T203537Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240129T203537Z
UID:18595-1709146800-1709154000@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: Ryan Spence\, Field Good Farms\, Desmond Daley\, Renée Primeau\, Ferme Tourne-Sol \n    
URL:https://efao.ca/event/planning-task-management-and-delegation/
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:20240228T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240228T130000
DTSTAMP:20260513T014950
CREATED:20240215T170138Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240215T170138Z
UID:18771-1709121600-1709125200@efao.ca
SUMMARY:February Seed Growers Online Meet-Up
DESCRIPTION:At this month’s Seed Meet-Up\, we invite you to join us to connect with other seed growers\, talk about seed growing and saving plans for the new season\, and any challenges you are facing regarding your seed work.  \nJoin this informal monthly Meet-Up with other seed growers to talk about your questions and ideas about seedkeeping and seed production. As always we ask seed growers and seed curious folks to bring your seed questions and areas of contemplation and we’ll work together to try to address as many as we can. This Meet-Up offers a place for us to share our seed producing knowledge and to hear about upcoming seed events. As always\, our goal is to encourage each other to grow a great diversity of seeds of high quality and in the quantities growers need. \nThis Seed Grower Meet-Up is hosted monthly free for EFAO members\, and is open to non-members too! Growers of all experience levels and at all points in the process of seed saving and production are welcome.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/february-seed-growers-online-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:20240227T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240227T203000
DTSTAMP:20260513T014950
CREATED:20240207T185125Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240207T185125Z
UID:18692-1709060400-1709065800@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Beyond the 3 Sisters: The Science and Methods Behind Traditional Indigenous Agriculture
DESCRIPTION:This webinar is part of EFAO’s Indigenous Outreach and Engagement Initiative\, which is supported by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture\, Food and Rural Affairs. \n*All Indigenous growers\, land stewards and community members are welcome to attend this webinar free of charge! Please use the coupon code: 3SIS24 when filling out the registration form to receive free admission.  \n  \nMany of us know what a 3 Sisters garden is\, but is it really that easy to build? How do they actually work? And what am I doing wrong?? \nLearn about the ancient science behind the mound-building “biodynamic” method of the Haudenosaunee\, how to grow it yourself\, and the most common reasons why these gardens fail. \n  \nAbout the speaker: Celeste Smith (she/her) is Oneida from Six Nations of the Grand River Territory and a seed steward\, traditional agriculturalist and former professor of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) at Niagara College. She is the Founder/Director of Cultural Seeds (culturalseeds.com) an Indigenous seed store/rematriation project and Ga Gitigemi Gamik (wewillplantlodge.com) an ecological centre on a permanent Indigenous stewarded site\, where women and 2SLGBTTQQIA+ persons can (RE)learn ancestral agricultural methods lost to colonization. \n  \n  \nIn order to make our events accessible to all current and aspiring farmers in Ontario\, EFAO uses a “pay what you can” model. To register using this model\, please complete this form!
URL:https://efao.ca/event/beyond-the-three-sisters/
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:20240226T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240226T203000
DTSTAMP:20260513T014950
CREATED:20240116T143554Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240130T191409Z
UID:18467-1708972200-1708979400@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Farm Visioning: Kitchen Table Meeting with 9 Acres Farm
DESCRIPTION:Winter is a great time for imagining where farms might take us\, or where we might take our farms. Join Carolyne\, this day’s hosts and co-owner at 9 Acres\, to brainstorm future directions for your own operations. \nAttendees will discuss creative ideas to turn farm visions and goals into reality\, and can expect to get feedback from others. Carolyne and Rodney are beekeepers & vegetable farmers themselves\, and they welcome all types of small farms to participate in this day of community connection\, creative brainstorming\, and problem solving & plan creation. \nKitchen Table Meetings are small and casual gatherings focused on a specific farming-related topic\, question\, or problem that is of interest to others in the EFAO community. \nThis KTM format is: \n– Introduction to the meet-up by hosts Carolyne and Rodney \n– Farm visioning conversation + some light snacks \nConversation questions are included in the event description in hopes folks will do some reflections in advance of gathering! Bring a question\, idea\, challenge\, or dream to work on with the group. \nAccess considerations: There will be a washroom available on site\, there is drinking water on site\, and the meeting will be held indoors. The stones leading up to the house require some attention to footing. If there are any other accessibility needs\, let us know and hosts will work on arrangements. \nParking: Park in the driveway\, or by the side of the road by the house or barn. \nPreparation: Reflections in advance of gathering are encouraged! Try to select one vision\, be it short or long term\, to bring to the table. Then bring your questions\, ideas\, and challenges to discuss for feedback with the group. \nDiscussions will cover: \n\nLast year’s wins and what do you attribute them to?\nWhat is your 5-year plan/vision?\nBased on that vision\, what do you plan on accomplishing this year?\nWhat do you need to put in place daily/weekly to make it happen?\nWhat challenges are you facing ?\nWhat kind of support can your local fellow farmers offer?\n\nCost: This event is FREE\, but registration is required because spots are limited to x15. The hosts are open to offering an additional event if there is sufficient demand. Multiple members from a farm are welcome\, and each person must reserve a spot.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/farm-visioning-kitchen-table-meeting-with-9-acres-farm/
LOCATION:9 Acres\, 514 Ridge Road East\, Grimsby\, Ontario\, L3M0K6\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Kitchen Table Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/9-Acres.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240226T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240226T140000
DTSTAMP:20260513T014950
CREATED:20240131T162200Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240222T203948Z
UID:18632-1708952400-1708956000@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Small Grains Winter Webinar Series - Ecological N Management: Compost and Manure
DESCRIPTION:Whether you’re an organic grower or just trying to cut down on synthetic inputs in your small grains\, this session is for you! Learn from two farmers who use compost and manure to manage nutrients in their soils\, and capture ecological and economic benefits. \n \nIn 2024\, Norm Lamothe from Woodleigh Farms is expanding Catching Carbon\, the compost production division of his operation. “Composting is the cornerstone of our commitment to ecological stewardship\, turning organic waste into a nutrient-rich elixir for our soil\,” he explains. “By harnessing the power of compost\, we not only reduce the environmental impact of waste but also enhance the fertility and structure of our fields. This natural\, organic fertilizer boosts soil health\, improves water retention\, and encourages the growth of beneficial microorganisms.” Sign up to learn more! \n \nBrett Israel of 3Gen Organics grows organic field crops\, and raises laying hens and pigs organically. Organic hog manure plays a major role in crop fertility on the farm. “Instead of relying on chemicals\, we use tools like cover crops\, crop rotation and our own organic hog manure to improve the health of our soil ecology. We depend on the diversity of our crop rotation to provide high yielding and nutritious grains which make excellent feed for our pigs. Feed the soil\, feed the crop\, feed the pigs\,” he says. Come on out to hear more about the role manure plays in this production loop. \nThis event is an OSCIA-recognized Knowledge Sharing Event (KSE) for farmers with On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) projects in the Nitrogen Management category.  \nEFAO’s Small Grains Network is funded and supported by the Weston Family Foundation’s Soil Health Initiative.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/ecological-n-management/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/4-Feb-26.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240225T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240225T140000
DTSTAMP:20260513T014950
CREATED:20240214T213801Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240221T215326Z
UID:18750-1708858800-1708869600@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Black Farmers Winter Roundtable: Visioning\, Resource-sharing & Collaborating
DESCRIPTION:This event is held in partnership with Black Food Sovereignty Toronto. \nWinter is a great time to learn and plan before the farm season begins! Join us in an inspiring\, guided round-table discussion around the “state of affairs” in the Black Farming Community in the GTA. We’ll share farming challenges and solutions for how we can bridge those gaps with resources\, knowledge\, opportunities and collaboration. The hope is that this meeting can foster connections beyond this month and provide support for folks throughout the year. Come ready to connect and learn! You can bring a question\, idea\, challenge\, or resource to share in collaboration with the group as well. \nIf interested in attending\, please fill out our pre-event survey to submit possible topics of discussion! Fill out the survey here. \nIN PERSON: Food and refreshments will be available upon arrival\, with lots of opportunity to chat and make connections to foster a supportive network. In the following hour\, there will be a round-table discussion. Farmer Joe Thomas\, Founder of Black Vegans of Toronto (BVOT)\, will speak\, and the day will end with a series of short films showcasing a number of Black farmers across the country.  \nONLINE: You also have the option to attend virtually. There will be a virtual discussion\, followed by streaming of farmer Joe Thomas’s speech and the short films. \nIn-person registration is limited to 50 people. 
URL:https://efao.ca/event/black-farmers-winter-roundtable/
LOCATION:Daphne Cockwell Complex (DCC)\, 7th Floor\, Room 713\, 288 Church St\, Toronto\, ON M5B 1Z5
CATEGORIES:Roundtable
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240221T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240221T210000
DTSTAMP:20260513T014950
CREATED:20240129T202557Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240129T202557Z
UID:18587-1708542000-1708549200@efao.ca
SUMMARY:NFU-O Presents: Interpersonal Dynamics\, Training\, & Retention
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! \nWant to create a friendly and co-operative work environment? You’ve come to the right place! Experts will share employee handbook and orientation designs\, training and development tips\, equity and discrimination policies\, stress and wellbeing measures\, staff retention strategies\, and more. \nSpeakers: Claire Perttula\, Leslie Moskovits\, Cedar Down Farm\, Hannah Atkinson Renglich\, Paul Wartman \n  
URL:https://efao.ca/event/interpersonal-dynamics-training-and-retention/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/HR-Session-3-FEB-21-SQUARE.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240221T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240221T140000
DTSTAMP:20260513T014950
CREATED:20240130T183702Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240213T204835Z
UID:18618-1708520400-1708524000@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Small Grains Winter Webinar Series - Specialty & Niche Grains: Amaranth\, Quinoa & Millets
DESCRIPTION:Amaranth\, millets\, quinoa\, oh my!  \nWe spend a lot of time (and big players spend a lot of money) looking at wheat\, but what about the potential of other grains in Ontario? Come to this session to learn a little more about three grains that growers are experimenting with in Ontario.  \n \nDean Orr has been experimenting with quinoa\, working to find ideal varieties and agronomic practices to produce the crop organically in Ontario. Tune in to find out more about this finicky crop and how growers can work towards success.  \n \nRonaldo Eleazar Lec Ajcot at Luna Mia Farm has collaborated with other growers in EFAO’s Network to trial varieties of grain amaranth to find the best to grow in the relatively short growing season of Ontario. He’ll tell us about what’s been discovered so far\, and next steps for this versatile\, culturally significant crop.  \n  \n \nDr. Manish Raizada is a professor at the University of Guelph and his lab focuses on the discovery of beneficial microbes to help farmers grow sustainably\, and developing low-cost empowerment technologies for farmers internationally. He’s studied millets to discover beneficial endophytes\, and evaluated their use in Nepal and the semi-arid tropics of Asia and Africa. But what is the potential in Ontario? What can we learn from this crop?  \nRegister to learn from these farmers and researchers about specialty crops with potential to diversify the grain landscape in Ontario.  \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-specialty-grains/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/3-Feb-21.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240220T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240220T203000
DTSTAMP:20260513T014950
CREATED:20240207T182821Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240215T163935Z
UID:18680-1708455600-1708461000@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK): An Introduction to Indigenous Science & Agroecology
DESCRIPTION:This webinar is part of EFAO’s Indigenous Outreach and Engagement Initiative\, which is supported by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture\, Food and Rural Affairs. \n*All Indigenous growers\, land stewards and community members are welcome to attend this webinar free of charge! Please use the coupon code: TEK24 when filling out the registration form to receive free admission.  \nDo Indigenous People hold the key to climate resilience through agroecology? This webinar will explore using traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) to understand how Indigenous People see the everyday connections in a living world\, and why it matters for the health and future of the planet. \n  \nAbout the speaker: Celeste Smith (she/her) is Oneida from Six Nations of the Grand River Territory and a seed steward\, traditional agriculturalist and former professor of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) at Niagara College. She is the Founder/Director of Cultural Seeds (culturalseeds.com) an Indigenous seed store/rematriation project and Ga Gitigemi Gamik (wewillplantlodge.com) an ecological centre on a permanent Indigenous stewarded site\, where women and 2SLGBTTQQIA+ persons can (RE)learn ancestral agricultural methods lost to colonization. \n  \nIn order to make our events accessible to all current and aspiring farmers in Ontario\, EFAO uses a “pay what you can” model. To register using this model\, please complete this form!
URL:https://efao.ca/event/traditional-ecological-knowledge/
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-3-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240214T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240214T140000
DTSTAMP:20260513T014950
CREATED:20240130T163944Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240131T192907Z
UID:18607-1707915600-1707919200@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Small Grains Winter Webinar Series - Diverse Marketing Opportunities
DESCRIPTION:One of the questions most farmers have when contemplating growing small grains is: how will I market them? Are there ways to capture a premium on my crop? \n \nIn this session you’ll hear the story of two different businesses that make the most of grains. \nTyson Devitt grew up farming with his dad and brother\, and now his wife Angela is also on the team. In 2020\, Angela started a milling business\, stone-milling the grain they grow into high quality flour blends. Hear from both of them about how this innovation has impacted their business\, from seed to flour! \nDianne Wolters and Michelle Reilly are sisters who have both helped to build their family business\, Everspring Farms. \nEverspring specializes in sprouted grains and flours and work with over 30 different grains and seeds in their facilities located in Seaforth Ontario. As the second generation helping to build Everspring\, they are also the founders of the retail brand Second Spring Foods and the Sprouted Mill & Bakery to bring their diverse range of sprouted grains and flours to retail customers and their local community. \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-diverse-marketing-opportunities/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/2-Feb-14.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240211T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240211T160000
DTSTAMP:20260513T014950
CREATED:20240110T215708Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240115T144032Z
UID:18444-1707658200-1707667200@efao.ca
SUMMARY:From Farm Visions to Reality: Kitchen Table Meeting with Fiddlehead Farm
DESCRIPTION:Winter is a great time for imagining where farms might take us\, or where we might take our farms. Join Heather and Stephanie\, this day’s hosts and co-owners at Fiddlehead Farm\, to brainstorm future directions for your own operations. What are your visions for the future? What are the biggest challenges you’re facing? What are the steps to get to a solution? \nAttendees will discuss creative ideas to turn farm visions into reality and can expect to get feedback from others. The only way to get somewhere is to plot a course\, build realistic goals\, and monitor progress. Heather and Stephanie are vegetable farmers themselves\, and they welcome all types of small farms to participate in this day of community connection\, creative brainstorming\, and problem solving & plan creation. \nKitchen Table Meetings are small and casual gatherings focused on a specific farming-related topic\, question\, or problem that is of interest to others in the EFAO community. \n– The format for this KTM will be: \n– 1:30-4pm Indoor conversations with the group about goals and visions for your farm. There may be light snacks\, but please eat lunch in advance. \nOPTIONAL  4-5pm After the KTM\, participants are welcome to join in an short farm tour where the hosts hope to highlight anything of relevance to your visions! \nAccess considerations: There will be a washroom available on site\, there is drinking water on site\, and the meeting will be held indoors. House access by a steep ramp and three steps\, or an indoor staircase. Please dress for the weather if you wish to join the optional farm tour afterwards. \nParking: Look for the 978 fire number as there is no signage and farm buildings are far back from the road. Park anywhere that is cleared of snow (on gravel if miraculously snowless)\, trying not to block others. Gathering is in the blue house\, just walk the short farm roads to find it. \nPreparation: Reflections in advance of gathering are encouraged! Try to select one vision\, be it short or long term\, to bring to the table. Then bring your questions\, ideas\, and challenges to discuss for feedback with the group. \nCost: This event is FREE\, but registration is required because spots are limited to x15. The hosts are open to offering an additional event if there is sufficient demand. Multiple members from a farm are welcome\, and each person must reserve a spot.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/from-farm-visions-to-reality-kitchen-table-meeting-with-fiddlehead-farm/
LOCATION:Fiddlehead Farm\, 978 Fish Lake Road\, Demorestville\, Ontario\, K0K1W0\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Kitchen Table Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/fiddlehead-farm.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240208T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240208T190000
DTSTAMP:20260513T014950
CREATED:20240124T204422Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240131T204926Z
UID:18520-1707415200-1707418800@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Getting Started with Meat Chickens
DESCRIPTION:This webinar is part of EFAO’s Indigenous Outreach and Engagement Initiative\, which is supported by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture\, Food and Rural Affairs. \n*All Indigenous growers\, land stewards and community members are welcome to attend this webinar free of charge! Please use the coupon code: CHKN24 when filling out the registration form to receive free admission.  \nAre you interested in raising meat chickens for your family\, community\, or farm sales? Join Annette Peltier-Flamand\, Agricultural Resources Management Coordinator for Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory\, to learn how to get started. Topics will include set-up\, housing\, feeding and day-to-day care for raising meat chickens from chicks to maturity. Annette will also talk about the Artisanal Chicken Program with the Chicken Farmers of Ontario\, which enables Annette and her team to produce chicken for the Wiikwemkoong community.  \nWe will have a raffle at the end of the webinar\, where all participants present will have a chance to win a copy of the book: “Raising Amazing Chicks” by Dr. Scott Gillingham! \n  \nAbout the speaker: Annette Peltier-Flamand is from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory in northern Ontario. In 2020 Annette received her Horticulture Certificate and was offered employment as the Gardening Program Coordinator for Wiikwemkoong. She has now achieved her Horticulture Diploma and continues to work for Wiikwemkoong as the Agricultural Resources Management Coordinator. In addition to the gardening program\, she is responsible for the backyard chicken program\, food preservation education\, band garden management\, meat chicken initiative\, a beef cattle initiative\, community support services (assisting high school greenhouse) and other training opportunities. Annette is also a Master Gardener (Algoma group)\, board member of the Ecological Farmer’s Association of Ontario and a 4-H Leader. Annette was awarded an “Excellence in Agriculture” award by the Government of Ontario in November\, 2023. \n  \nIn order to make our events accessible to all current and aspiring farmers in Ontario\, EFAO uses a “pay what you can” model. To register using this model\, please complete this form!
URL:https://efao.ca/event/getting-started-with-meat-chickens/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/Annette2-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240207T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240207T210000
DTSTAMP:20260513T014950
CREATED:20240129T200838Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240129T200838Z
UID:18579-1707332400-1707339600@efao.ca
SUMMARY:NFU-O Presents: HR Fundamentals
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! \nScared of the paperwork? Not anymore! Learn about employment standards and legislation\, health and safety and WSIB requirements; payroll and wages\, grants and cost-share programs\, and other general logistics. \nSpeakers: Marcelle Paulin\, Sleepy G Farm\, Karol Jung\, Nathan Kanasawe\, Buzwah Fisheries \n  
URL:https://efao.ca/event/hr-fundamentals/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/HR-Session-2-FEB-7-SQUARE.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240207T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240207T203000
DTSTAMP:20260513T014950
CREATED:20231030T150822Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231030T150822Z
UID:17994-1707332400-1707337800@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Marketing Strategies and Building Multiple Revenue Streams for the Farmers Market
DESCRIPTION:Join EFAO for an innovative day of marketing strategies and techniques! Come along on a journey of discovery of your strengths and assets as a farmer and how you can tell your story to your customer base. The webinar will cover topics such as value added\, building up your customer base\, engaging the consumer and building new revenue streams. April Parms Jones is a nationally known speaker on the topics of value added\, upselling and creating a market base for farmers. It will be a joyful\, fun and educating experience with a robust time for questions and answers. \nAbout the speaker: \nApril Parms Jones is originally from Akron\, Ohio and  advocates for her community as part of the food justice\, water access and the food sovereignty movement. She is passionate about community gardens\, farmer markets and creating a just food system. Having expertise in the role of farmers markets and in human elements of shifting the food system. She is a writer\, public speaker\, consultant\, blogger\, recipe developer\, book reviewer\, event planner and more. \nIn order to make our events accessible to all current and aspiring farmers in Ontario\, EFAO uses a “pay what you can” model. To register using this model\, please complete this form!
URL:https://efao.ca/event/marketing-strategies-april-jones/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/april-jones-article-e1698678315501.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240207T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240207T143000
DTSTAMP:20260513T014950
CREATED:20240110T164910Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240125T194823Z
UID:18441-1707310800-1707316200@efao.ca
SUMMARY:CANOVI Farm Club: Carrot Breeding & Variety Trials
DESCRIPTION:CANOVI is the Canadian Organic Vegetable Improvement Project\, led by The Bauta Family Iniatiive on Canadian Seed Security in partnership with the Universit of British Columbia. CIOA is the Carrot Breeding for Organic Agriculture initiative led by the Organic Seed Alliance. \nCANOVI and CIOA are collaborators in carrot breeding and trialing\, and are proud to co-host this virtual event to talk about 2023 carrot trials across Canada and the USA\, as well as the plant breeding effort behind some of the trialed varieties. \nAt this event we’ll hear from Micalea Colley (Organic Seed Alliance)\, Phil Simons (US Dept. of Agriculture)\, and CANOVI Project Leads Weijia Wang and Chris Thoreau. Micaela and Phil will speak to the history of the OSA-bred carrot material\, and the CANOVI leads will share information and results of the 2023 cross-Canada trials for both orange and specialty carrots. \nThere will be lots of time reserved for discussion — a great opportunity to connect with other participating growers and share your experience.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/canovi-farm-club-carrots/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/k8-GHRT9j21m2M-unsplash.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240207T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240207T140000
DTSTAMP:20260513T014950
CREATED:20240126T164729Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240126T165005Z
UID:18553-1707310800-1707314400@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Small Grains Winter Webinar Series - Farmer Roundtable
DESCRIPTION:Come out to this first session of the Small Grains Winter Webinar series to meet and network with other farmers! \nEFAO’s Small Grains Network is full of folks growing all sorts of grains using innovative\, ecological methods. The best resource we have are the experiences of others. Introduce yourself\, talk about your operation and your goals\, ask your questions and learn from the successes and challenges of more farmers like you! \nThis meet-up will include introductions from all attendees\, and prompt questions from the moderator to generate a fruitful discussion about growing small grains in Ontario. See you there! \nEFAO’s Small Grains Network is is funded and supported by the Weston Family Foundation’s Soil Health Initiative.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/small-grains-winter-webinar-series-farmer-roundtable/
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-Feb-7.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240205T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240205T203000
DTSTAMP:20260513T014950
CREATED:20240131T152556Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240131T160747Z
UID:18624-1707159600-1707165000@efao.ca
SUMMARY:On-Farm Climate Action Fund Information Session
DESCRIPTION:The Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) is excited to continue delivering the On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) to Ontario farmers. \nFarmers who are interested in learning more about the program can participate in a virtual information session co-hosted by OSCIA and EFAO. The first half of this session will provide an overview of the program\, with time for questions. The second half will walk through the application process in detail. You’re invited to participate in as much of the info session as you would like to attend. \nProgram information\, including the new program guide can be found at: Ontario On-Farm Climate Action Fund | OSCIA (ontariosoilcrop.org) \nThe intake will open to receive applications from February 13th 9am ET to February 27th 5pm ET\, 2024. \nPractices that will be supported under the program include in-field nitrogen management\, cover cropping practices\, and establishing or expanding rotational grazing systems: \n\nPlanting new acres of cover crops\, or leaving a cover crop over winter where it has always been terminated in the fall\nSetting up permanent perimeter and cross-fencing\, to establish new rotational grazing systems (fencing for silvopasture system can be an eligible expense)\nTrying dual action nitrogen stabilizers or organic amendments for the first time\n\n 
URL:https://efao.ca/event/ofcaf-info-session/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/Field-Good-Farms-scaled-e1706714718866.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20241125
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20241126
DTSTAMP:20260513T014950
CREATED:20240201T205022Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240207T182454Z
UID:18653-1732492800-1732579199@efao.ca
SUMMARY:2023 EFAO Conference Recordings Bundle
DESCRIPTION:Missed some of EFAO’s 2023 Conference sessions? Weren’t able to make it in person? Good news! You can purchase a bundle of sessions that were recorded at the 10th Annual EFAO Conference: Watersheds to have continuous access to these workshops and the wealth of information they provide for the remainder of 2024. \nThe bundle includes the following sessions: \n\nKEYNOTE: Homelands and Homewaters: Mnoomin (Wild Rice) Resurgence and Contaminants Testing\n\nSpeakers: Quinn Meawasige\, Taylor Johnston\, and Keegan Grant\n\n\nKEYNOTE: Agroforestry Across Watersheds: Regeneration From the Wyoming Valley to the Mississippi River Basin\n\nSpeakers: Erik Hagan and Omar de Kok-Mercado\n\n\nIt All Starts with Water: Permaculture and the Order of Design\n\nSpeakers: Jessica Robertson\, Mary Simpson\, and Ross Snider\n\n\nA Year in the Life: Flower Farming\n\nSpeaker: Akosua Asare\n\n\nSo You Want to be a Seed Farmer? How to Incorporate Seed Work Into Your Farm System\n\nSpeaker: Dan Brisebois\n\n\nMetrics for Success: Using Your Farm Records for Decision Making\n\nSpeakers: Ryan Spence and Stuart Oke\n\n\nGrowing Hazelnuts and Other Nut Crops in Ontario\n\nSpeakers: Linda Grimo and Martin Hodgson\n\n\nEngaging Youth in Indigenous Food Systems\n\nSpeakers: Annette Peltier-Flamand\, Chloe Maracle\, and John Bonaparte\n\n\n2023 Research Symposium (Online)\n\nSpeakers: various farmer-researchers\n\n\n\nYou can find speaker bios and in-depth session descriptions on the EFAO Conference website! \nNot a member? Join EFAO to receive the member discount on your conference bundle!
URL:https://efao.ca/event/2023-conference-bundle/
CATEGORIES:Conference
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/Conference-Heron-Circle_800px-e1706822023526.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240131T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240228T210000
DTSTAMP:20260513T014950
CREATED:20240129T164033Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240130T142937Z
UID:18558-1706727600-1709154000@efao.ca
SUMMARY:NFU-O Presents: Cultivating Best Human Resource Practices on Small and Mid-scale Farms
DESCRIPTION:EFAO is pleased to be a supporting partner for this webinar series hosted by the National Farmers Union – Ontario! \nAre you thinking about hiring staff for your farm for the very first time? \n\n\nAre you looking for advice and support on how to train and manage your staff this growing season? \nJoin the NFU-O for a series of four 2-hour free online HR training modules\, where our team of agricultural HR experts will provide a crash course on best management practices.  \nJoin for one session\, or for all! \n  \nThe four sessions will cover: \n(1) Hiring and Incentives – Wednesday\, January 31st\, 7:00pm \nFind out how to hire effectively! This session will include a discussion on deciding what type of employees will work best for you\, how to develop a job description and interview questions\, job advertising options\, and building an incentives package. \nFeaturing: \n\nIsabelle Rode\, Vintage Soil Farm\nAngie Koch\, Fertile Ground Farm\nErin Beagle\, Roots Community Food Centre\n\n  \n(2) HR Fundamentals – Wednesday\, February 7th\, 7:00pm \nScared of the paperwork? Not anymore! Learn about employment standards and legislation\, health and safety and WSIB requirements; payroll and wages\, grants and cost-share programs\, and other general logistics. \nFeaturing: \n\nMarcelle Paulin\, Sleepy G Farm\nKarol Jung\nNathan Kanasawe\, Buzwah Fisheries\n\n  \n(3) Interpersonal Dynamics\, Training\, & Retention – Wednesday\, February 21st\, 7:00pm \nWant to create a friendly and co-operative work environment? You’ve come to the right place! Experts will share employee handbook and orientation designs\, training and development tips\, equity and discrimination policies\, stress and wellbeing measures\, staff retention strategies\, and more. \nFeaturing: \n\nClaire Perttula\nLeslie Moskovits\, Cedar Down Farm\nHannah Atkinson Renglich\nPaul Wartman\n\n  \n(4) Planning\, Task Management\, & Delegation – Wednesday\, February 28th\, 7:00pm \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. \nFeaturing: \n\nRyan Spence\, Field Good Farms\nDesmond Daley\nRenée Primeau\, Ferme Tourne-Sol\n\n\n\n\n\n  \nIn addition to hearing from our expert panelists\, participants will receive a variety of HR materials\, including: \n\nJob advertising and recruitment method tips\nHow-to-write job descriptions\nEmployee handbooks and orientation templates\nPayroll and wage templates\nScheduling and time-tracking templates\nGrants and cost-sharing tips\nAnd more!
URL:https://efao.ca/event/cultivating-best-hr-practices-2024/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/HR-Sessions-ALL-SQUARE-2.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240131T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240131T210000
DTSTAMP:20260513T014950
CREATED:20240129T195611Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240130T143523Z
UID:18573-1706727600-1706734800@efao.ca
SUMMARY:NFU-O Presents: Hiring and Incentives
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! \nFind out how to hire effectively! This session will include a discussion on deciding what type of employees will work best for you\, how to develop a job description and interview questions\, job advertising options\, and building an incentives package. \nSpeakers: Isabelle Rode\, Vintage Soil Farm\, Angie Koch\, Fertile Ground Farm and Erin Beagle\, Roots Community Food Centre \n  
URL:https://efao.ca/event/hiring-and-incentives/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/HR-Session-1-JAN-31-SQUARE.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240130T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240130T153000
DTSTAMP:20260513T014950
CREATED:20231213T181227Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231213T181227Z
UID:18364-1706623200-1706628600@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Plant Breeding Projects Virtual Showcase
DESCRIPTION:Please join us for this mid-winter seed diversity celebration! Farmers from coast to coast will share about their on-farm plant breeding projects – from chard to zucchini\, tomatoes\, lettuce\, and more. This will be a fantastic opportunity to hear about the innovative and inspiring plant breeding work happening on organic and agro-ecological farms in Canada. \nSpeakers:  \n\nFiona Hamersley (Metchosin Seeds\, BC)\nCraig Boychuk (No Coast Seeds\, SK)\nDan Brisebois (Ferme Tournesol Farm QC)\nChris Sanford (Yonder Hill Farm\, NS).
URL:https://efao.ca/event/plant-breeding-projects-virtual-showcase/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2023-12-13-at-1.06.32-PM.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240124T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240124T200000
DTSTAMP:20260513T014950
CREATED:20231004T210849Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240115T210945Z
UID:17832-1706119200-1706126400@efao.ca
SUMMARY:The Graziers Tool Box
DESCRIPTION:  \nPerennial Pastures with Sarah Flack: Session Two\nThe “graziers tool box” includes using  livestock as well as other methods to improve pastures and avoid pasture pitfalls.  Topics will include stocking rate\, stock densities\, trampling\, variable regrowth periods\, post grazing residual\, variable pre grazing heights\, soil amendments\, seed and more. Each of these “tools” can be used to change the pasture plant species composition\, pasture productivity & quality\, soil health\, and livestock performance.   \nThere will be time for a break\, as well as to ask your grazing questions directly to Sarah during this webinar. \nThis is an excellent opportunity to learn from an expert for farmers who are familiar with managed grazing.. Note that Sarah Flack is doing a session on January 17th\, which will be more introductory than this session. You can attend either of both\, and do not need to attend the first to attend the second. \nAbout the speaker \nSarah is an author\, consultant\, and speaker who specializes in grass-based livestock farming systems. Sarah takes a practical approach in applying the science of agronomy and grazing\, combined with farm business planning\, to allow farmers to make well informed decisions.  Her goal is to help create more farms with successful grass-based management systems\, empowering farmers to create positive change for pastures\, soils\, livestock\, and farmers’ quality of life.  \nHer unique approach is based on what she learned while consulting\, teaching and writing on the topic over several decades. Sarah grew up on a family farm in Vermont after living in New Zealand for several years.  On the farm in Vermont\, her family used high stock density management intensive grazing to successfully improve the productivity and ecological health of the land and livestock. She later studied Holistic Planned Grazing\, Management Intensive Grazing and the science of pasture management in graduate school. Sarah works with beef\, sheep\, goat and dairy farmers including both organic and non-organic.  More recently\, Sarah’s focus has been working with 100% grass-fed dairy farmers and she has been participating in several research\, consulting and writing projects on that topic. \nSarah is author of The Art and Science of Grazing\,  Organic Dairy Production and co author of The Organic Dairy Handbook\, Vermont Grass-Based Beef Profitability: Lessons and Budgets\, and Transitioning to Organic Dairy and most recently\, The Grass-Based Dairy Production Manual as well as numerous articles. \nShe is passionate about helping farmers find ways to be financially viable while carefully stewarding their land and livestock.  She lives on the farm she grew up on where she is surrounded by pastures\, wetlands\, forests\, livestock and wildlife. \nThis event is held in partnership with Farmers for Climate Solutions \nThis event is an OSCIA-recognized Knowledge Sharing Event (KSE) for farmers with On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) projects in the Grazing category. Questions about OFCAF should be directed to OFCAF@ontariosoilcrop.org. \nIn order to make our events accessible to all current and aspiring farmers in Ontario\, EFAO uses a “pay what you can” model. To register using this model\, please complete this form!
URL:https://efao.ca/event/session-two-the-graziers-tool-box/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/Sarah-Flack-2.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240123T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240123T130000
DTSTAMP:20260513T014950
CREATED:20240109T185734Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240109T185734Z
UID:18432-1706011200-1706014800@efao.ca
SUMMARY:January Seed Growers Online Meet-Up
DESCRIPTION:At this month’s Seed Meet-Up\, we’d like to keep the conversations going which we had at our Seed Growers Consultation at the EFAO conference. We were asking about if you could have one wish (big or small) answered that would help support you to achieve your seed work what would that be!  \nWe’d love to delve deeper into the topics you brought up around seed cleaning\, making connections with others doing seed work\, marketing needs\, import and export challenges\, and what resources are available.  \nWhat are ways we can do this? Who needs to be involved? What are key ingredients for this to happen? Who can we learn from to do this? Any low hanging fruits we can harvest together soon? What are some fruits that still need to ripen but might be ready next year? \nJoin for our informal monthly meetup with other seed growers to talk about your questions and ideas about seedkeeping and seed production. As always we ask seed growers and seed curious folks to bring your seed questions and areas of contemplation and we’ll work together to try to address as many as we can. This Meet-Up offers a place for us to share our seed producing knowledge and to hear about upcoming seed events. As always\, our goal is to encourage each other to grow a great diversity of seeds of high quality and in the quantities growers need. \nThis Seed Grower Meet-Up is hosted monthly free for EFAO members\, and is open to non-members too!! Growers of all experience levels and at all points in the process of seed saving and production are welcome.
URL:https://efao.ca/event/january-seed-growers-online-meet-up-24/
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_4363.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240117T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240117T210000
DTSTAMP:20260513T014950
CREATED:20231004T210145Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240115T210905Z
UID:17827-1705514400-1705525200@efao.ca
SUMMARY:Pastures from the Plant and Livestock Perspective
DESCRIPTION:Perennial Pastures with Sarah Flack: Session One\n\n  \nHow do perennial pasture plants grow both above and below ground\, and how do our grazing management decisions create more productive pastures with more high-quality forages.  This session will look at the practical application of basic guidelines of good grazing management and pasture ecosystem monitoring\, based on plant physiology and soil health.  We also need to understand the nutritional and behavioral needs of cows\, sheep\, and goats.  So this session will also delve into how to design grazing systems which make it easier to maximize pasture intake by the herd or flock\, while also improving plant and soil health. \nThere will be time for a break\, as well as to ask your grazing questions directly to Sarah during this webinar. \nThis is an excellent opportunity to learn from an expert for farmers who are thinking about getting into grazing\, as well as those who are more familiar. Note that Sarah Flack is doing a second session on January 24th which will build on this session. You can attend either of both\, and do not need to attend the first to attend the second. \nAbout the speaker \nSarah is an author\, consultant\, and speaker who specializes in grass-based livestock farming systems. Sarah takes a practical approach in applying the science of agronomy and grazing\, combined with farm business planning\, to allow farmers to make well informed decisions.  Her goal is to help create more farms with successful grass-based management systems\, empowering farmers to create positive change for pastures\, soils\, livestock\, and farmers’ quality of life.  \nHer unique approach is based on what she learned while consulting\, teaching and writing on the topic over several decades. Sarah grew up on a family farm in Vermont after living in New Zealand for several years.  On the farm in Vermont\, her family used high stock density management intensive grazing to successfully improve the productivity and ecological health of the land and livestock. She later studied Holistic Planned Grazing\, Management Intensive Grazing and the science of pasture management in graduate school. Sarah works with beef\, sheep\, goat and dairy farmers including both organic and non-organic.  More recently\, Sarah’s focus has been working with 100% grass-fed dairy farmers and she has been participating in several research\, consulting and writing projects on that topic. \nSarah is author of The Art and Science of Grazing\,  Organic Dairy Production and co author of The Organic Dairy Handbook\, Vermont Grass-Based Beef Profitability: Lessons and Budgets\, and Transitioning to Organic Dairy and most recently\, The Grass-Based Dairy Production Manual as well as numerous articles. \nShe is passionate about helping farmers find ways to be financially viable while carefully stewarding their land and livestock.  She lives on the farm she grew up on where she is surrounded by pastures\, wetlands\, forests\, livestock and wildlife. \nThis event is held in partnership with Farmers for Climate Solutions \nThis event is an OSCIA-recognized Knowledge Sharing Event (KSE) for farmers with On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) projects in the Grazing category. Questions about OFCAF should be directed to OFCAF@ontariosoilcrop.org. \nIn order to make our events accessible to all current and aspiring farmers in Ontario\, EFAO uses a “pay what you can” model. To register using this model\, please complete this form!
URL:https://efao.ca/event/sarah_flack_session1/
LOCATION:Online\, Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efao.ca/wp-content/uploads/Sarah-Flack-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR