Build a foundation to start a successful farm enterprise!
The Ignatius Farm New Farmer Training Program is a collaboration between the Ignatius Jesuit Centre, EFAO, Everdale and the National Farmers Union Ontario.
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.
Participants begin with foundational knowledge, then learn about specialized aspects of farming, and end with a focus on establishing farm businesses. Join for a single webinar or sign up for a whole term.
Sample Program (dates & times subject to change):
Term 1: April 20, 22, 25, and 27, (9:30-11:00am & 2:30-4:00pm)
- 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, Pest and disease management, Intro to Indoor Growing, Farm workers rights and responsibilities.
Term 2: Monday & Wednesday afternoons, May-July (2:30-4:00pm)
- 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.
***There will be a 5 week break between terms 2 and 3 allowing for participants to catch up with viewing recordings.
Term 3: Monday & Wednesday afternoons, September-October (2:30-4:00pm)
- 10 Webinars/Virtual field days, 2 optional in-person field trips
- Expands beyond basics to build skills for a specialized farm.
- Sample workshops/ virtual field days: Apiculture, Permaculture, Livestock (various), a deeper dive into some terms 1 and 2 topics.
Term 4: November 2, 4, 7, 9, 14, and 16 (9:30-11am & 2:30-4:00pm)
- 12 Webinars
- 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 (7-8pm) will be scheduled each term for those participating in a full term in order to facilitate networking and participant learning objectives.
**Full program (all 4 Terms) participants receive a Certificate for completing the Ignatius New Farmer Training Program.
