Build a foundation to start a successful farm enterprise!
This program will not only provide you with critical information to start your farm, but you will meet other new and experienced farmers and become a part of the ecological agricultural community in Ontario. Educational content is geared toward new farmers, but is open to all farmers who might be curious about a certain topic, wishing to expand their farming knowledge, or in need of a refresh.
Because of the current health and safety protocols in effect, this program will take place online through webinars and virtual field days.
Sample Program (dates & times subject to change)
Term 1: April 21-30, (9-11am & 2:30-4:30pm)
7 Webinars
Provides foundational knowledge and language for basic farm work.
Sample workshops: The Language of Ecological Agriculture in Ontario, Intro to Organic Growing, Soils, Botany, and Intro to Indoor Growing.
Term 2: Monday & Wednesday afternoons, May-July (2:30-4:30pm)
16 Webinars/virtual field days, 3 optional in-person field trips
Teaches the application of farm language and knowledge.
Sample workshops: Irrigation, Field & Bed preparation, Weed management, Harvest & postharvest handling, Cover crops & green manures, Indoor fruiting crops, Ergonomics/farmer health, Equipment maintenance.
Term 3: Monday & Wednesday afternoons, August-October (2:30-4:30pm)
14 Webinars/Virtual field days, 3 optional in-person field trips
Expands beyond basics to build skills for a specialized farm.
Sample workshops/ virtual field days: Apiculture, Permaculture, Livestock (various), Flower production, beer/cider production, value-added products.
Term 4: November 1-19 (2:30-3:30pm & 2:30-4:00pm)
12 Webinars/virtual field days
Provides entrepreneurship training for operating a farm business.
Sample workshops: Farm Design, Business planning, Production system management, Budgets & Record keeping, Marketing and distribution, Financing, and Land access.
*Online meet-ups will be scheduled each term for those participating in the full program/a full term in order to facilitate networking and participant learning objectives.
*Full program participants receive a certificate in the Ignatius Farm New Farmer Training Program.
Term 4 focuses on entrepreneurship training for starting a farm business.
Register for the whole term, or sign up for individual sessions. Term 4 includes 12 webinars/virtual field days, and 2 full term participant meet-ups.
Term 4 events include:
November 1st: Holistic Farm Design, 2:30-3:30pm
November 2nd: Beyond Land Acknowledgements, 2:30-4:00pm
November 3rd: Planning for Production, 2:30-3:30
November 4th: What are Co-ops and why do they Matter Now? 2:30-4:00pm
November 8th: Marketing and Distribution, 2:30-3:30pm
November 9th: Finances and Budgets, 2:30-4:00pm
November 10th: Meeting Small Business Requirements on the Farm, 2:30-4:00pm
November 11th: Innovative Models of Land Access, 2:30-3:30
November 12th: Cultivating Best Practices: An Introduction to Human Resources for Small-scale Farm Operations, 2:30-4:00pm
November 15th: Tools and Methods for Successful Recordkeeping, 2:30-4:00pm
November 16th: Assembling your Business Plan, 2:30-4:00pm
November 17th: Financing Your Farm, 2:30-3:30pm
