Ecological Farming www.efao.ca in OntaMay -rio June 2016 • Volume 37 Number 3

Seed Varieties from VSPN Update on GM Alfalfa Growing a New Farmer Community pg. 7 pg. 9 pg. 11

Vegetable Seed Producers’ Network Grow, test, save, share In 2015, The Bauta Family Ini- in large quantities from seed com- tiative on Canadian Seed Security panies. with Seeds of Diversity launched In 2015, 39 ecological market the Vegetable Seed Producers’ gardeners joined the VSPN to tri- Building Regional Network in Ontario. al these varieties on their . Seed Systens The concept is simple: Farmers Now in 2016, we have 52 grow- grow, test, and save seeds from ers participating in the network The Face of Interns open-pollinated varieties of veg- – from Thunder Bay to Chatham- etables, send a sample to Seeds Kent to Ottawa and everywhere Making Soil Healthy of Diversity Canada’s Seed Library, in between – conducting trials and retain bulk quantities of seeds on 121 samples of seed from 14 Incorporating of those varieties to regrow and unique crop species. Into Your Farm redistribute to other farmers. Growing open-pollinated variet- Following extensive consulta- ies is a good place to start when Farmer-Led Research tion with over 80 market garden- building regional seed systems: Program Update ers and seed companies, we pro- they will be true-to-type in subse- cured stock seed for a short list of quent generations and they rarely Save the OP varieties that were demanded have intellectual property restric- (Conference) Date! by, or recommended for, market tions. However, choosing the right gardeners, but mostly unavailable types of OPs is important. ... continued on pg. 6 LEARN • FARM • SHARE ECOLOGICAL FARMING IN ONTARIO ABOUT THE ECOLOGICAL FARMERS OF ONTARIO DISPLAY ADVERTISING Established in 1979, the EFAO was formed by a small Display advertising space is available in six sizes, in group of farmers around their shared commitment to many cases with the option of either horizontal or vertical sound farming practices like cover cropping, crop rota- orientation. We offer a 20% discounted rate to member tion, planting green manures, composting, soil conser- advertisers who commit to, and prepay for, a year of ad- vation, timely and appropriate tillage, good vertising (six issues). management, promoting biodiversity, and avoiding the use of synthetic and pesticides. Our work re- Submissions should be camera ready and high res digi- mains rooted in the practical application of these same tal files are much preferred in PDF, EPS, or TIFF format. sustainable farming methods, which in turn remain at When saving files please make sure to embed fonts, and the centre of ecological or , and are the save them as outlines. The image you provide should be foundation of certified organic production standards the correct size, otherwise a set-up fee will be charged. today. Send electronic files to [email protected]. For more than 35 years, EFAO has provided essential mentorship and training for both new and established Don’t have artwork, or need a current ad modified? farmers. By promoting farmer-to-farmer knowledge We can create an ad for you from original photos, logos, sharing, learning opportunities, and creating support- etc. Production time is billed at $45 per hour and can be ive community around good food and farming, we estimated before ad work. Contact [email protected] for de- strive to maintain and enhance the health of the soil, tails. crops, livestock, the diversity of the environment, and our rural and urban communities. STOCK EXCHANGE - CLASSIFIEDS EFAO is a registered charity with the Canada Rev- enue Agency. Tax receipts will be issued for donations The Stock Exchange helps connect farmers and com- of $25 or more. Charitable registration # 88074-6532- munity members to sell and source livestock, seed & RR001 feed, land, equipment, and opportunities/services. Stock Exchange ads run in each issue of the newsletter and are For new memberships and renewals, to receive our posted on the EFAO website. Stock exchange postings cost events bulletins and e-news, to register for events, post a $10 for EFAO members, $20 for non-members and $15 for stock exchange or display ad, use the advisory service, or more than one issue. Deadlines are the same as for other just get in touch with us about anything, newsletter content. Visit https://efao.ca/stock-exchange/ visit www.efao.ca, or contact: or email [email protected] to place an ad. Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario Disclaimer: EFAO is not able to verify details or claims 5420 Highway 6 North, RR5 made in Stock Exchange postings (e.g. regarding certified Guelph, ON N1H 6J2 seed or registered stock). We encourage you to check Tel: 519-822-8606 Toll-free: 1-877-822-8606 these details yourself before buying! Email: [email protected]

About Ecological Farming in Ontario Ecological Farming in Ontario is published six times a year by the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario. It is mailed under Canada Post Publications Mail Agreement No. 42230514. The newsletter is printed on Rolland Enviro-100 paper, which contains FSC certified 100% post-consumer recycled fibres. This paper is certified Eco-Logo and Processed Chlorine Free, and is manufactured using biogas energy.

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Tell us what you’re doing, farming or otherwise. Write a letter to the Editor. Help make Ecological Farming in Ontario a farmer’s journal! Submit articles, photos, opinions and news to [email protected]. Moving? Don’t risk missing a single issue of Ecological Farming in Ontario – log in to your online profile at https:// efao.ca/your-profile/ and update your address. Or contact us at [email protected] or 519-822-8606.

Deadline for July - August 2016 Issue: June 3, 2016

Ecological Farming in Ontario 2 Cover photo credits: http://usc-canada.org/; M. Smith; A. Dey Ecological Farming

www.efao.ca in OntaMay -rio June 2016 • Volume 37 Number 3 pg. 4 EDITOR’S MESSAGE pg. 5 BOARD PERSPECTIVE pg. 6 VEGETABLE SEED PRODUCERS’ NETWORK (VSPN): Building regional seed systems pg. 7 SEED VARIETIES: From the VSPN pg. 8 THE FACE OF FARM INTERNS IN ONTARIO: Findings from research into intern demographics pg. 9 UPDATE ON GM ALFALFA: Commercial approval and the impacts on our farms, our future pg. 10 MAKING SOILS HEALTHY: Healthy soil = healthy farms pg. 11 BUILDING A NEW & YOUNG FARMER COMMUNITY: Notes from the April 10 KTM pg. 12 REGIONAL REPORT: Incorporating permaculture into your farm pg. 14 EVENT LISTINGS pg. 15 SAVE THE DATE! For the 2016 Ecological Farmers of Ontario Conference pg. 17 NOTES FROM THE OFFICE: Report from the Farmer-Led Research Program pg. 18 STOCK EXCHANGE

CONTRIBUTORS EFAO STAFF

Aabir Dey (cover) is the Regional Coordinator in Ontario for The Bauta Family Initiative on Executive Director Canadian Seed Security at Everdale in Ontario. Everdale is a farm-based charity that oper- Ali English ([email protected]) ates teaching farms that provide hands-on, solution-based food and farming education to build and engage healthy local communities. Administrative Manager Cherie Bauman ([email protected]) 519 -822-8606 For the last two years Sylvie Paquette (pg. 5) has brought her skills and education in , marketing and communications, social networking and project management Membership Services Program Manager to The Eastern Ontario Agri-Food Network, and has been creating powerful relationships Katie Baikie ([email protected]) and partnerships in promoting the local food movement ever since. Membership Services Coordinator Charles Levkoe (pg. 8) is a Postdoctoral Fellow at WLU. His research focuses on civil so- Naomi Krucker ([email protected]) ciety organizations and the growth of regional food networks in Canada. Michael Ekers Farmer-Led Resesarch Program Manager is an Assistant Professor in the Dept of Human Geography at U of T. His research has fo- Sarah Hargreaves ([email protected]) cused on the relationship between labour and the making of environmental landscapes. Kingston Area Regional Coordinator Daniel Naccarato (pg. 11) is an organic farmer who is passionate about issues of food Ayla Fenton ([email protected]) security and food accessibility. He is looking to help build stronger movements and com- munities of new and young farmers across the province who are focused on transforming Production Editor Fiona Campbell ([email protected]) the current food system.

LEARN • FARM • SHARE 3 Ecological Farming in Ontario Editor’s Message by Fiona Campbell and a food system that is now increas- pages (and the pages of past issues, The other day I received a copy ingly vulnerable to climate change. too) and you’ll find articles and- sto of a book from New Society Publish- But there is another model, one ries about biodiversity (pg. 6), healthy ers titled “Resilient Agriculture: Cul- that offers strategies and solutions to soils (pg. 10), building community (pg tivating Food Systems for a Changing the challenges ahead: sustainable ag- 11), water management (pg. 12), and Climate.” (Stay tuned for a future an- riculture. much more. nouncement about a new EFAO Mem- She writes, “Compared to indus- Uncertainty about the future can ber “Readers Club”!) trial production systems, sustainable provoke fear or action. Farmers have The premise of the book is simple, production systems tend to enhance always been inherently resilient, and as captured in the opening lines of the resilience of the food systems in it’s this ability to adapt to change chapter one: “Climate change is upon which they reside. Sustainable farm- (caused by variable weather patterns, us, and agriculture is inextricably in- ers and ranchers typically manage growing seasons, or evolving pests volved.” The author Laura Lengnick much greater biodiversity, employ and disease), and risk, whether it be explores the solutions to the chal- more people in better jobs and - cir from finances, markets, regulation lenge of managing crops and livestock culate more dollars in the regional or production, that make us the key in a changing climate by weaving a economy. The diversified production agents to achieving a food secure fu- comprehensive review of the latest systems of sustainable farms and ture. science on climate risk, adaptation reduce the need for fossil EFAO members have been cham- and resilience, with the stories and fuel energy, water, pesticides and syn- pioning this agricultural revolution experience of 25 farmers and - thetic fertilizers and typically produce since 1979, seeing opportunity, not ers from across the U.S. who are less waste. Sustainable farms and adversity. And that is something to working towards creating new food ranches have high quality soils and celebrate, both in the pages of this systems. tend to enhance the well-being in the newsletter, and in our community. communities where they are located. She looks at the currently state of cheers, the U.S. food system (similar to that in also offers an Canada, I’d argue), largely one reliant unprecedented opportunity to miti- on large-scale, vertically integrated gate climate change while increasing . While this industrial- agricultural productivity worldwide ized model evolved to deliver diverse, through the use of regenerative agri- cheap food of consistent quality avail- cultural practices.” [email protected] able year-round, this success story The practice of sustainable agricul- came with a price: significant environ- ture is at the heart of everything EFAO mental, social and economic harm, farmers do. Take a read through these

Farmer-to-farmer training at a Whole Circle Farm Field Day (July 2015)

Ecological Farming in Ontario 4 Photo credit: Aabir Dey Board Perspective nization will be enduring ones with people who have similar goals and attitudes to mine. BOARD OF DIRECTORS My first experience with an EFAO Angie Koch, President farm tour was back in 2014, when I Paul De Jong, Vice President volunteered to be a farm tour coor- Karen Maitland, Treasurer dinator out here in Eastern Ontario. Mike Reid, Secretary The tour was at Mariposa Farm, and it was the perfect day to be Allison Muckle by Sylvie Paquette visiting and talking about ecologi- Denis Héraud In my experience, farming can cal farming, with my one-year-old Murray Hutton be a solitary job. Usually living and strapped in the baby carrier. It was Sylvie Paquette working in remote areas, spending an experience I will not soon forget, Brent Preston Jennifer Seilern hours alone in the tractor, weeding the lessons learned have stuck, and or doing chores, farmers (especially so have the connections. How - ex COMMITTEE CONTACTS on small farms) definitely have to traordinary for a tour only a couple be comfortable on their own. This of hours long! Actually, the tour West Region Committee is one of the many reasons why I ended up spontaneously extend- Ann Slater believe EFAO has such an important ing to a tour of another farm where [email protected] role for ecological farmers in Ontar- Mariposa’s delivery driver was io. By focussing on farmer-to-farmer growing hops and teaching about North East Region Committee Allison Muckle training and creating a culture of wild edibles, so you never know the [email protected] kitchen table meetings and farm amazing way things can turn on a tours, this organization has made dime. East Region Committee building relationships a cornerstone This is what can happen when Ayla Fenton of its mandate. people such as EFAO members get [email protected] It’s not only the social or edu- together with the goal of sharing cation aspects of these meetings their experiences and knowledge, Kingston Region Committee and tours that are so important and connecting with others, and I Ayla Fenton (and don’t get me wrong, they re- encourage all of you to take a farm [email protected] ally are!); it is also the connecting tour or workshop, or join a kitchen of like-minded people. There is a table meeting (or host!), and I can Membership Paul De Jong good reason why support groups safely promise you won’t regret it. [email protected] have such great success rates - it’s I am excited to join the EFAO Board because there’s nothing quite like of Directors to assist in the direction Finance connecting with other people who of this organization, and also to en- Karen Maitland know exactly what you’re going courage more ecological farming ac- [email protected] through. Whether it’s knowing that tivity in Eastern Ontario! you’re not the only one who’s ani- Energy Tony McQuail mals have zero respect for fences [email protected] (or neighbours…) or that there are others out there who can get what GE Issues it’s like to sacrifice your entire din- Ann Slater ing room for several months to start [email protected] seeds, it makes a world of difference to a farmer’s sanity. New & Young Farmers Advisory I, for one, am extremely grateful Daniel Naccarato for these opportunities granted by [email protected] the EFAO, and I know that the con- nections I make through this orga- 5 Ecological Farming in Ontario SEEDS Vegetable Seed Producers’ Network How growing (and sharing) open-pollinated varieties is helping build regional seed systems by Aabir Dey continued from pg. 1 For instance, it doesn’t make sense for a grower in Ontario to grow, se- lect, clean, and sell pounds of popular OPs like, Detroit Dark Red Beet, when farmers can purchase those varieties for $20/lb from High Mowing Seeds or Johnny’s. Therefore, the beet variety included in the VSPN program, is Feuer Kugel: an old heirloom German beet variety that Whole Circle Farm has been saving on its own farm for generations. Feuer Kugel is an ideal variety to scale up be- cause it has been adapted to regional market garden conditions, but only available in small packets from a hand- Map of Ontario growers ful of seed companies. Another variety available through the VSPN is Olympic Ontario in ways that did not exist before, thinking differently about the value of Red kale, a highly variable OP purple- good quality OPs, and procuring more bulk quantities from local seed companies. stemmed bunching kale grown for its As farmers continue to refine and expand their seed production capacity, we get height, cold-hardiness, and ease of har- closer to building a regionally diverse seed system that produces seed adapted vest. The most popular kale varieties to ecological farming conditions and secures food production for generations to  are often sold out by early January and come. Olympic Red offers growers an opportu- Here is a sampling of confirmed seed workshops going on for Ontario nity to adapt a variable OP and secure farmers throughout the 2016 season! There will be more to come, so keep bulk kale seed for their own farms. checking the EFAO for more details. We know that if good quality vari- eties of local, ecologically-grown seed Aug 25 On-farm Plant Breeding: are available in the quantities farmers How to breed and select crops for your market garden require, growers would buy them. Lo- Farm: Patwork Gardens cal seed companies like Hawthorn Farm Battersea, Ont. Organic Seeds, have been producing ex- cellent quality seed for years, but need Sept 7 - 8 Organic Plant Breeding more local growers to provide regional From research gardens to market gardens seed in the quantities market gardeners Cornell University require. Accordingly, in collaboration Homer C. Thompson Vegetable Research Farm with the EFAO, we have been able to of- Fruition Seeds fer, and will continue to offer, a compre- Finger Lakes Region, NY hensive suite of field days and training workshops across the entire province Sept 14 Biennial Seed Production on seed production to build regional Overwintering root vegetables for seed production seed growing capacity. Farm: Whole Circle Farm There is still lots of work left to do to Acton, Ont. increase this capacity: we need to de- velop stock seed production programs, Sept 19 Integrating Seed Crops into Market Gardens & quality assurance systems for disease Harvesting and Cleaning Season testing and purity, and financial support Farm: Saugeen River CSA, Durham, Ont. for farmer-led breeding projects. But Hawthorn Farm Organic Seeds the VSPN is an excellent start. Farmers Palmerston, Ont. are being supported to grow seed in

Ecological Farming in Ontario 6 SEEDS Varieties for Vegetable Seed Producers’ Network

CROP VARIETY MIN. DAYS TO SEED SOURCES POP. MATURITY

Bean (Bush) Black Valentine 40 50 - 55 VSPN, SoDC, Hawthorn Farm Beet Feuer Kugel 80 60-65 Whole Circle Farm, Fruition Seeds Cucumber Long Green Improved 20 60-65 VSPN, SoDC Cucumber Shintokiwa 20 60-65 VSPN Eggplant Kamo 80 65 Baker Creek Kale (Bunching) ** Olympic Red 80 55 High Mowing Organic Seeds Kale (Salad) White Russian 80 50 High Mowing Organic Seeds Lettuce (Red Oakleaf) Bronze Arrowhead 20 40-50 VSPN, SoDC Lettuce (Speckled Crisphead) ** Jester 20 60 VSPN, SoDC, Hawthorn Farm Pepper (Sweet) Lipstick 20 53 (green) Hawthorn Farm, VSPN 69 (red) Radish Helios 80 30-35 The Cottage Gardnener Squash (Kabocha/Hokkaido) Stella Blue 20 95-105 Family Farmers Seed Co-op Squash (Yokohama) Chirimen 20 90-95 Sustainable Seed Co. Squash (Delicata) Zeppelin Delicata 20 95 Hawthorn Farm Squash (Pumpkin) Algonquin Pumpkin 20 90 VSPN, Edible Antiques Tomato (Greenhouse) Bizhiki 20 75 VSPN, Hawthorn Farm

** Potential breeding project for experienced growers

7 Ecological Farming in Ontario LABOUR The Face of Farm Interns in Ontario Research into intern demographics & the impact on the future of food and farming by Charles Levkoe & Michael Ekers This demographic trend raises ques- ing and other privileges that are part tions about who is being trained as the of the experience. Further, the limits to This article is the third in a series next generation of ecological farmers. participation may hinder opportunities that describes the increasing numbers When asked why so many non-waged for building a more inclusive ecological of non-waged interns working on eco- interns were white, one farmer re- farming sector that has the potential to logical farms across Ontario. As farmers sponded, “Well, have you seen the so- impact the broader food system. welcome those seeking seasonal farm ciety I live in? It’s predominately white Much like non-agricultural intern- experiences as a way to share knowl- and these are the people who have the ships, structural inequalities ensure edge and skills and to meet labour de- opportunity to be able to leave their that the few jobs available go to those mands, our research has been explor- home and not work.” who can afford to work without a wage. ing the broader implications of these Taking four to eight months away This means that only specific groups of trends. In this article, we look at who from paid employment and living in a people are able to build strategic rela- exactly is being trained to farm through rural community can be extremely iso- tionships and gain experience towards ecological farm internships and the po- lating and demands a high level of eco- a particular career path, in this case tential impact on the future of food and nomic and cultural privilege. Reflecting farming. Many farm operators acknowl- farming. on the potential discomfort of being edged this reality; for example, one a person of colour working on a rural farmer lamented, “Not paying interns Opportunities for non- farm, an urban intern commented, “In limits the demographic of people who waged internships are typi- many places, you would be the only are able to work on organic farms and cally promoted on environ- person of colour amongst the army of learn the trade.” mental-related websites white people.” The concern here is that ecological and passed on through The apparent exclusivity of intern- farm internships may be promoting a ships correlates with observations of particular kind of farmer, further lim- word-of-mouth. Despite be- food movements more broadly. For ex- iting the diversity of alternative food ing openly available, there ample, commentators have observed movements more broadly. Recognizing is an extremely narrow de- that many promising alternative food this problem, a farmer commented, mographic of individuals initiatives such as purchasing organic “I’m not saying the farmers are racist who take on these posi- food boxes, shopping at farmers’ mar- and not selecting people of colour to be kets and participating in community interns . . . It’s racism in its latent form, tions. supported agriculture projects tend where people are just not comfortable to be dominated by white people. Our going there.” The point highlighted here Opportunities for non-waged intern- study has suggested that many of the is that questions of race and farming are ships are typically promoted on environ- social characteristics of consumer-based not as much about intentions, but about mental-related websites and passed on food movements are being reproduced the effects and who is being trained through word-of-mouth. Despite being on farms through internship programs. to farm (or not) and in the places that openly available, there is an extremely This highlights the barriers to entry training happens. narrow demographic of individuals who and the subsequent education, train- continued pg. 16 take on these positions. Likely unsur- prising to most farmers, the vast major- ity of non-waged interns in Ontario are young, white women (and some men) that come from relatively educated and affluent backgrounds. As one farmer -ex claimed, “White, middle-class, female, educated, suburban, that was almost all of our interns. Out of the 21 interns we have had, I think we only had four men over the last three years.” The only major exception is interns working on urban farms who are almost exclusively young people of colour with diverse and sometimes poor economic back- grounds. Ecological Farming in Ontario 8 TOPICAL Update on GM Alfalfa Implications of the first commercial sale of GM alfalfa for our farms and our livelihoods by Ann Slater 2005. In 2006, one percent of alfalfa acreage in the US was gentically modified. A US In late March, Forage Genetics In- federal court decision prohibited new GM alfalfa plantings between 2007 and 2011. ternational (FGI) announced that it had The USDA study was conducted shortly after the re-approval of GM alfalfa in 2011, sold enough genetically modified (GM) so it likely all of the feral GM alfalfa dected arose from the fields planted in 2005 and HarvXtra alfalfa seed to plant up to 5,000 2006. acres of hay in eastern Canada. HarvXtra Organic farmers are not the only Canadian farmers concerned about the com- is the trade name of FGI’s GM low-lignin mercial release of GM alfalfa. Following the recent announcement by FGI, Katie Ward alfalfa. However, FGI is only selling Har- sent a letter on behalf of the National Farmers Union-Ontario to media outlets across vXtra with the GM trait of glyphosate the province. In her letter, she says that many conventional farmers are already strug- tolerance also added (stacked) into the gling with glyphosate-resistant weeds and they feel that the introduction of another plant. This is the first commercial sale of crop (alfalfa) with the Roundup Ready trait will only serve to accelerate the spread of GM alfalfa in Canada and FGI has said these resistant weeds across Ontario, leading to weed control challenges. that the seed will most likely be planted Alfalfa seed is an important export crop in western Canada with much of the seed in Ontario and Quebec. going to markets where there is little acceptance for GM products. In March 2016, Glyphosate tolerance is more com- the Alberta Association of Municpal Districts and Counties passed a resolution to monly known as “Roundup Ready.” work with different levels of government and companies to prevent the introduction Roundup is the trade name of Monsan- of GM alfalfa to Alberta until there is marketplace and consumer acceptance for GM to’s glyphosate formulation. This geneti- alfalfa in export markets like the European Union and Japan. cally modified trait has also been added In April, EFAO joined with several other farm organizations from across Canada to canola, corn, soybeans and sugar to draft and send a letter to the Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Hon. beets and allows crops which would nor- Lawence MacAulay. The letter asks the minister to take immediate action to stop any mally be killed by glyphosate to survive further introduction of GM alfalfa in Canada and to establish testing protocols for its application while weeds are killed. imports of alfalfa seed grown in the US, in order to protect the livelihoods of Cana- Low-lignin alfalfa is designed to pro- dian farmers and the future of family farming, production, sustainable duce less of one type of lignin, which is agriculture and alfalfa-related exports. a substance that makes plant cell walls The Canadian Biotechnology Action Network’s (CBAN) website at www.cban.ca stiff. By decreasing the amount of lignin has more information, updates and action requests related to GM alfalfa. EFAO is a in the plant, alfalfa remains less stalky as member of CBAN. it matures. This allows hay to be cut at Although, a small amount of GM alfalfa seed has been planted in Ontario this a later maturity (twenty to fifty percent year, there is still time to put a halt to any future commercialization of GM alfalfa flower bloom) without a loss of- palat in Canada. Ecological and organic farmers should make government representatives ability or nutrition, but with the poten- aware of the implications of GM alfalfa for our farms and our livelihoods.  tial of higher yields or to allow cutting during better weather conditions. Alfalfa is the first genetically modified perennial crop. In addition, it is insect pollinated with small seeds and a signifi- cant feral (wild) population, especially in western Canada. As organic and eco- logical farmers have stated many times, these biological factors, along with the likelihood of human error at some point, mean that the eventual contamation of non-GM alfalfa seed stocks is a certainty. A US Department of Agriculture (USDA) study published in 2015 found that twenty-seven percent of roadside sites surveyed in the states of California, Idaho and Washington were contaminat- ed with GM alfalfa. GM glyphosate tolerant alfalfa was approved for planting by the USDA in

9 Ecological Farming in Ontario ORGANIC STANDARDS Making Soils Healthy Healthy soils make for healthy farms by Hugh Martin, consultant/inspector Compaction will reduce the volume negatively charged anions (such as nitro- of soil pores that can hold air. In water gen or phosphorus). Positively charged A review of soil health will consider logged soils, the pores will fill up with nutrients are attracted to negatively soil fertility, soil physical attributes, and, water and reduce the air spaces in the charged sites in the soil, called cation ex- of course, soil biology. Over the years, soil. Dry soils will have low levels of avail- change sites.) A key to maintaining SOM farmers have been well schooled in the able water. Organic matter helps to rein- is to have the soil covered year round as need for adequate soil fertility. Soils force the strength of soil pores, absorb much as possible. need to be managed to maintain soil fer- water to increase water holding capacity Crop rotation and a diversified mix of tility and, when needed, fertilizers may as well as permit better drainage to al- cover crops, appropriate to the needs of be added at appropriate levels to the low soils to dry up quicker after rainfall. the soil and the next crop, provides many crop for each of the nutrients. In this col- This makes soil more resistant to sum- benefits. Some organisms favour specif- umn I’ll be focusing on nitrogen, phos- mer droughts and can reduce the need ic crops more than others. A diversified phorous and potassium. for irrigation. mix of crops species will develop a more Legume hay and cover crops are great Biologically the soil has millions of diversified soil biology. Cover crops after sources of nitrogen to increase the sup- organisms in a handful of soil. These in- harvest and over winter feeds the soil or- plying capacity of your soil. Livestock clude earthworms, insects, bacteria, fun- ganisms 12 months of the year. manure and composts are good sources gi, etc. The soil biosphere also includes The key to healthy soils – USE COVER of these nutrients on organic farms. Mi- larger insects and small animals that CROPS! From the many organic farms I cronutrients are only needed in small feed at the soil surface. These organisms visit each year I know that we can do a amounts and I find in many cases, they are vital to the health of a soil to break lot better at using cover crops. They are are used beyond what is needed or eco- down plant residues and to maintain the needed for a healthy farm. So include nomical. In order to use micronutrients, various nutrients cycles in the soil. Soil them in your cropping plans this year!  The Canadian Organic Standards require organisms have the same requirements documentation or proof of need or defi- as livestock in the barn, so make sure ciency. In my experience, livestock ma- they have air, water and lots to eat. nure is the best and most economical The bottom line to a healthy soil is lots source of micronutrients. of organic matter. Leave some crop resi- Soil physical parameters focus on due on the surface to feed organisms on soil tilth and reducing the risk of com- the soil surface such as ground beetles, paction. Soil tilth is the ability of soil insects and earthworms. Molds and oth- particles to stick together into soil “ag- er fungi will also help to break down resi- gregates” or “peds,” 1/8 to 1/4 inch in due into smaller particles to feed smaller diameter. Unhealthy soil will form into organisms. Surface residue can reduce clods more than 1-2 inches in diameter water loss and moderate the tempera- and when dry, they are very difficult to ture of soils on hot sunny summer days. break down. In contrast, sandy soils do Soil organisms will feed on the residue to not form soil aggregates. get nutrients and help to maintain soil Soil compaction is particularly a prob- nutrient cycles. Nutrients become avail- lem on medium and heavy textured soils able for plants to use (which eventually (silt and clay textures). The key to reduc- die and continue the cycle). ing soil compaction is not to work the Some organisms, such as earth- soil when it is too wet and to keep the worms, root tips and mycorrhizae, re- weight of tractors, wagons, spreaders lease mucous or glomalin substances and combines below 5 tonnes per axel. that also feed organisms and are used to This is virtually impossible for larger trac- help ‘glue’ soil particles together into soil tors and combines, but larger radial tires aggregates. Soil aggregates increase the with lower air pressures can help. pore space between soil particles. Deep rooting perennial plants such as Soil organic matter (SOM) increases forages or deep rooting radishes help to the number of cation exchange sites remediate compaction, but prevention to hold nutrients in the soil and reduce is key. nutrient losses. (Soil nutrients are ab- A well structured soil will contain sorbed by plants in the form of posi- about 20-25% air and 20-25% water. tively charged cations (like potassium) or Ecological Farming in Ontario 10 NEW FARMERS Building a New & Young Farmer Community New farmers face obstacles, but there are solutions by Daniel Naccarato mortgage payments and keep the business going, and time that isn’t spent working New and young farmers in Canada often translates into less money coming in. can face all kinds of obstacles when Seb Ramirez and Bethany Klapwyk, the owners of Zócalo Organics, shared some they’re starting out, including isolation, practical and valuable tips that have enabled them to cope with the pressures of the lack of access to affordable land and farming, such as taking the time in the winter to develop an effective plan for the other resources, and the risk of physical following season, making sure to take at least one day off during the week, and and emotional burnout over the course training interns to take control of specific on-farm duties to reduce the burden on of the long growing season. them. These were some of the topics ad- It was encouraging to see such open communication among a group of people dressed at the inaugural New and who were mostly new connections. The gathering helped me realize that, despite Young Farmers Kitchen Table Meet- the barriers that new and young farmers face, there are solutions out there, as ing that I co-organized with the EFAO, well as other people and organizations that can guide us towards these solutions. which took place at Zócalo Organics on All we have to do is offer spaces and opportunities that will allow more farmers to April 10 with the goal of building more network and collaborate with one another to discover them.  cohesive communities among Ontario farmers in the early stages of their per- sonal and career development. The next gathering of new and young farmers will take place on a Sunday in late The gathering attracted farmers May or early June. Details and location will be revealed in the coming weeks. If you from as far away as Aylmer and Albion would like to attend a future gathering, or would like to have a conversation on how Hills, and all the participants commu- to organize a similar event in your own region, please contact me at farmergather- nicated their interest in continuing to [email protected] or Katie Baikie at [email protected]. have regular meetings. The majority of the people at the gathering did not grow up on farms, but were drawn to agriculture by some sim- ilar concerns; notably a sense of disgust at today’s food system and the impulse to develop a greater connection with the land and nature. The event was of particular rel- evance to Paula Reynolds and David Artymko, who are about to launch into their first year of operations on Salad Days Farm, which is located on a 7-acre plot of land in Belwood, just northeast of Guelph. They are not only relatively new farmers, but also newcomers to the region, as they formerly lived in the Toronto area, and expressed apprecia- tion at having a support system of peo- ple nearby with whom they could share their experiences in the field and ask questions when needed. One of the key topics of conversation that came up was that of self-care and quality of life, and the notion of setting boundaries and maintaining balance when living and working on a farm. This is as great of a challenge for younger farmers as it is for older farmers, since it is necessary to work long hours to generate the cash flow needed to make 11 Ecological Farming in Ontario Regional Report Incorporating Permaculture Into Your Farm Design Hamilton, Ont. March 22, 2016 by Yehuda Nestel

On Tuesday March 22nd, about 20 organic farmers and gardeners gath- ered at Manorun Farm for the EFAO’s first ‘Incorporating Permaculture Into Your Farm Design’ workshop. With so few real life examples of broad-scale permaculture in Ontario, there was a definite air of excitement as people gathered and schmoozed before the workshop began. Some participants had driven nearly 3.5 hours to attend, and everyone was keen to see a ‘resto- ration agriculture’ style permaculture design implemented on a larger scale, in this case on a recently purchased 20 acre field. Chris Krucker began with a brief in- troduction to the farm, which was start- ed 20 years ago with a five-member CSA. Now Chris and his family raise pas- First day of swale digging on Manorun Farm tured pigs, , chickens and horses, as well as a market garden supplying two farmers’ markets and a 130-mem- ber CSA. Chris first caught the permaculture bug after attending Mark Shepard’s daylong Restoration Agriculture presen- tation at the 2013 Guelph Organic Con- ference. He immediately asked Shepard to visit Manorun Farm for a consultation on their then newly purchased field, a “big, shallow bowl-shaped field” that had been tile drained 40 years earlier to deal with excess water. After a day spent commiserating and walking the land together, they had a plan to manage water flow in the poor- ly drained field. With the Restoration Agriculture approach, parallel berms and swales are installed throughout the field, running perpendicular to the slope but with a very slight grade, in The alleys between can be managed as pasture and hay, or can be used to grow order to move water large distances by annual crops. gravity. Chris realized that berm and swale earthworks and tile-drainage were both at- In theory, this is supposed to make tempting to address the same problem of waterlogged soils, but with completely dry areas wetter, wet areas drier, and opposite approaches: while tile-drainage works by moving water out of the field create thousands of linear feet of wet/ as quickly as possible, berms and swales work by holding and re-distributing water dry/warm/cool microclimates in which throughout the field. He wondered if he was crazy to be using this plan in a field to plant a variety of perennial crops. that already had tile drainage!

Ecological Farming in Ontario 12 Photo credit: Naomi Krucker Regional Report

Chris [Krucker] first caught the permaculture bug after attending Mark Shepard’s daylong Restoration Agriculture presentation at the 2013 Guelph Organic Conference... In the spring of 2013 the plan was im- ly proved its effectiveness. “The very first rainfall after they were installed, I ran plemented, and with surprising speed. out to my field to see how the water was moving,” Chris explained. “The former One day with a rented laser-level and floodway in the middle of the field wasn’t the mucky mess it usually was after one day with a tractor were all it took a rain, while the high points retained their moisture a lot longer than they had to install the berms and swales. Rather previously.” than use an expensive rented bulldoz- One question at the workshop was with something as (relatively) permanent er or excavator, Chris simply used the as installing earthworks and planting trees throughout a field, were Chris and his farms three-bottom plow, with results family scared of making big mistakes? “Yes, we were a bit nervous about jumping he described as “rough, but effective.” in so large so fast,” Chris explained, “and there are definitely things I wish we had The freshly disturbed earth was done differently with the design. But overall it is a big improvement, and we are broadcast with a “butterfly/pollinator very happy with how things are progressing.” Several participants agreed that we mix,” and planted with more than 2,000 need a balance between the “slow and steady” versus “learn from your mistakes” fruit, nut, timber and wildlife trees, all approach, and often mistakes can be your best teacher. paid for by the local conservation au- We ended the field walk at an inconspicuous clump of trees, which Chris point- thority. The varied microclimates of the ed out were already exhibiting some of the ‘multi-layered’ permaculture design berms and swales made it easy to plant design principles: A black walnut tree towering over a diminutive mulberry, with a wide variety of trees in their optimal several raspberry canes underneath. “In 25 years this is what the whole field will soil conditions, some on top of the look like.” With permaculture pioneers like those at Manorun Farm leading by berm, and some in the bottom of the example, there may be many more fields with a similar look in 25 years’ time.  swale. With the swales spaced 100’ apart, Been to an event? Email editor@efao with the details! the new water-flow pattern immediate-

Ecological Farming in Ontario 13 EFAO Events Listing MAY JUNE

May 1: On-farm Workshop: Greenhouse Manage- June 6: Farm Tour: Artisanal Chicken Program ment & Propagation 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Drumlin Farm, 4565 Watson Rd S, Puslinch (West Re- Reroot Organic Farm, 5642 11th Line RR#4, Harriston gion) (West Region) Gerry Stephenson from Drumlin Farm has been ap- Reroot Organic Farm is definitely a must-see for new proved to raise 1,000 meat birds this summer through and experienced farmers! Throughout the tour, farm- the CFO Artisanal Chicken Program. Come see how er Caitlin Hall will give an overview of her farm set- the first wave of farmers accepted into the program up, with a focus on how she manages the greenhouse. are managing their flock increases. Gerry will walk par- Topics will include: potting trays, soil mixtures, water- ticipants through the application & inspection process, ing, heating, record keeping and more. CFO protocol, new infrastructure projects needed to Reroot is a small, diversified farm producing local, or- accommodate the flocks, pasture rotation plans and ganic and handcrafted foods. Established in 2007 on more. CFO has reopened the application process for borrowed land, Caitlin is now farming on her own 70 the program, so this is an excellent opportunity to ask acre farm in Harriston, Ont. She grows certified organ- your questions and see if the program is right for you! ic produce, raises pastured poultry, eggs, pork, beef, Cost: Member prices - $25/person, $42/ two people; and keeps honeybees. All the farm products are sold Non-member prices - $35/person, $60/two people through a Community Shared Agriculture (CSA) pro- gram, from the farm gate, and at the Elora Farmers’ Two “Pay-What-You-Can” spots available. Please con- Market. tact [email protected]. Cost: Member prices - $40/person, $68/ two people; Non-member prices - $60/person, $102/two people June 22: Field Day: Low-till/No-till & Cover Crops Two “Pay-What-You-Can” spots available. Please con- 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm tact [email protected]. Hill Farm, 45415 Fruit Ridge Line, St. Thomas (West Region) May 16: Farm Tour: Exploring Irrigation Solutions at Open House at Orchard Hill Farm! Come and learn Irrigation Plus from our trials and errors regarding Organic No-Till/ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Low-Till. Irrigation Plus, 1575 Scotch Line Rd, Elmira (West Re- Things to see: gion) Setting up a field for no-till garlic planting Learn from the experts at Irrigation Plus! From green- Spring cover crop of Faba Beans proceeding late Bras- house systems to efficient and easy field set-up, come sica planting (EFAO On-Farm Research Project) learn about the irrigation possibilities for your farm. No-till planting of spelt, HRWW and rye into rolled/ Whether you have been irrigating for years, or are crimped buckwheat just getting started, this tour is practical for farms of Oats/Barley planted [March 12] no-till into winter all scales and experiences. Prepare yourself for a dry killed daikon radish season! Demo of roller/crimper Bring your irrigation questions for a discussion period Demo of farm-built, horse-drawn, no-till drill following the workshop tour and demonstrations. Par- No-till planting of soybeans into rolled/crimped oats/ ticipants are also encouraged to bring: farm sketch, barley/peas well dimensions, and knowledge of on-farm water Cost: Member prices - $10/person; Non-member pric- sources. es - $15/person Cost: Member prices - $25/person, $42/ two people; Non-member prices - $35/person, $60/two people Two “Pay-What-You-Can” spots available. Please con- tact [email protected]. Two “Pay-What-You-Can” spots available. Please con- tact [email protected].

Ecological Farming in Ontario 14 EFAO Events Listing June 27: On-farm Workshop: Transplant Systems July 17: Farm Tour: Sustainable Cut Flowers 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Vicki’s Veggies, 81 Morrison Point Road, RR#2, Mil- Garden Party CSA, 1528 Notre Dame Dr, St. Agatha ford (East Region) (West Region) Vicki’s Veggies is an organic vegetable farm located in Theresa Schumilas was an organic produce farmer beautiful Prince Edward County, specializing in arti- who managed the COG demonstration farm until sanal growing and specialty vegetables, including hun- 2009, when she began running her own CSA. In 2014 dreds of varieties of Heirloom Tomatoes. All of these she started transitioning to a cut flower operation. Join tomatoes (and more!) are started in the greenhouse. us as she opens her farm to visitors and discusses how Join Tim Noxon and Vicki Emlaw as they walk you growing flowers sustainably is similar to -- and differ- through their transplant process, from starting seeds ent from -- growing produce. Discuss new emerging to planting out and share their best tips and tricks to markets, tools needed, issues around post-harvest fit transplanting into a broader farm system. handling, and more. Cost: Member prices - $40/person, $68/ two people; Cost: Member prices - $25/person, $42/two people; Non-member prices - $60/person, $102/two people Non-member prices - $35/person, $60/two people Two “Pay-What-You-Can” spots available. Please con- Two “Pay-What-You-Can” spots available. Please con- tact [email protected]. tact [email protected]. JULY Save the Date! July 11: On-farm Workshop: Value-Added Opportuni- ties The 2016 Ecological Farmers of Ontario Con- 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm ference will take place November 30 to Decem- Landman Gardens and Bakery, 322345 Concession 6-7, Grand Valley (West Region) ber 2 in Kingston, Ontario. Landman Gardens and Bakery has made value-added an integral part of their farm business. From on-farm Workshops, farm tours, a trade show, and events and dinners to making their own preserves and countless opportunities for meeting and cele- food products for sale, they have mastered the art of brating with 300 ecological farmers. This con- adding value to the farm. Participants will visit the 1.5- ference will, once again, be a centre for inno- acre vegetable garden and learn about the farm’s tran- vative and exciting ideas on market gardening, sition from an 11-member to 50-member CSA, as well livestock, soil, seed saving, field crops, business, as learning about their pastured meat operation, in or- and more. der to understand value-added as part of a whole farm system. Rebecca Landman will invite participants into PROGRAM IDEAS: We want to hear from you! the on-farm commercial kitchen and Blackhouse din- ner event space, while discussing the ups and downs Send along your ideas for workshop topics and of creating and maintaining these as part of her fam- speakers to [email protected]. ily’s operation. The visit will culminate with a guided, hands-on workshop making a variety of pickled vege- ARTWORK: We are requesting proposals for tables. You will leave the farm with a new and broader artwork to illustrate this year’s conference! Be understanding of value-added options for your farm, in touch at [email protected] for more infor- including hosting on-farm events, the process of build- mation. ing an on-farm kitchen, and the advantages of creating value-added products. Watch the newsletter and the website as the Cost: Member prices - $40/person, $68/two people; conference unfolds. Non-member prices - $60/person, $102/two people Two “Pay-What-You-Can” spots available. Please con- tact [email protected]. A practical conference for ecological farmers by ecological farmers!

15 Ecological Farming in Ontario LABOUR

continued from pg 8 The Face of Farm Interns in Ontario

Training people from diverse backgrounds through paid internships not only expands the pool of new farmers, but also brings new ideas into the ecological agricultural sector and opens marketing opportunities to new populations...

The industrial food system has a ways that the Canadian agricultural only expands the pool of new farmers, deep history of systemically mistreat- system has been established and main- but also brings new ideas into the eco- ing people based on their ethnicity and tained on the backs of unpaid and low logical agricultural sector and opens ‘race.’ In respect to agriculture, com- waged racialized and gendered labour. marketing opportunities to new popu- mentators argue that we tend to ro- While there are no immediate solu- lations. manticize an agrarian narrative specific tions, farmers and interns had many Finally, farmers suggested building to white communities while ignoring suggestions of ways to tackle these partnerships with agricultural and food the contributions and struggles of peo- challenges. First and foremost, it was movement organizations that are tack- ple of colour in food production. suggested that farmers looking to train ling issues of social justice such as Black In North America, people of colour interns and engage more deeply with Creek Farm, FoodShare, Afri-Can Food own less farmland, operate dispropor- issues of labour justice should consider Basket, and FarmStart. tionately fewer farms, and make less offering paid internship opportunities. Through networks, ecological farm- income from farm work. The solution is This would ensure that a wider diversity ers can be part of robust social move- not simply to encourage young people of people interested in agriculture as a ments that address the structural prob- of colour to move to rural communities career path could participate in ecologi- lems of the dominant food system and to work as farm interns. cal farm training experiences and that society more broadly.  As one urban farmer suggested: “It labour is valued. is not enough to just bring people of co- People of colour aspiring to farm are If you would like more infor- lour onto farms without recognizing the highly likely to find themselves working mation on this research project, history and current situation of slavery and learning on urban farms so it is cru- to comment on these issues or and .” These comments cial that urban-based programs be as contact us, please visit our web- from an urban farmer suggest that ad- substantive as some of the ‘opportuni- site: foodandlabour.ca. dressing the exclusivity of ecological ties’ available outside of cities. farm internship programs must begin Training people from diverse back- with a conversation that acknowledges grounds through paid internships not

Ecological Farming in Ontario 16 Notes From The (FLRP) Office by Sarah Hargreaves EFAO’s Farmer-led Research Program der Past Events at efao.ca/farmer-led- soil tests often don’t reflect the fertil- (FLRP) launched in January, when EFAO research. ity or production potential on ecologi- members met at the Guelph Organic Farmer-led Research Projects cal farms. So, the question remains: Conference to set research priorities. Given the broad interest among what soil tests help ecological farmers Working from member priorities, the EFAO members, there are two multi- assess whether different farming prac- Advisory Panel chose projects for the farm projects investigating cover crops tices improve soil health (i.e. soil struc- 2016 growing season and defined the and soil health tests. ture, biology and carbon storage)? This Program’s goals. Project 1: How do quick turnaround project will compare different soil tests This year’s Advisory Panel volunteers cover crops perform before late season from farm fields and natural reference are EFAO farmers Thorsten Arnold, Paul brassicas, with respect to reducing till- sites (e.g. fence row, prairie, etc.) to DeJong, Angie Koch, Ken Laing and Dar- age, weed/pest pressure and increasing test their reproducibility (how similar rel Roes, and partners Dr. Ralph Martin soil N status? are replicated samples?) and sensitivity (U of Guelph) and Aabir Dey (The Bauta Farmer-Researchers: Kevin Hamil- (how well does a soil test differentiate Family Initiative on Canadian Seed- Se ton, Angie Koch, Ken Laing, Mike Reid, between fields?). curity). Ryan Thiessen Short-term goals: Working with brassica species specif- Additional projects: There are also a 1. Train and support farmers to col- ic to each farm, farmers will test a treat- number of projects that will have sup- lect rigorous and practical data that is ment (cover crop species or cocktail) port with trial design and data interpre- meaningful for their farms against their standard management tation, including: 2. Build EFAO’s research network by practice (control). Treatment and con- Efficacy of foliar sprays, Farmer-re- conducting new farmer-led research, trol plots are randomized and replicat- searcher: Angie Koch archiving previous research and engag- ed at least 4 times each on every farm. Meat chicken comparison, Farmer- ing the membership in the program It is a lot of work! But their combined researchers: Jason Hayes and Drake 3. Conduct successful research projects efforts will result in robust and practi- Larsen that begin to support and encourage a cal information to help assess the use of culture of on-farm innovation in eco- quick turnaround cover crops for eco- More information on the four- lev logical agriculture logical vegetable production in Ontario. els of project funding can be found by 4. Demonstrate potential of farmer-led going to efao.ca/farmer-led-research- research as a tool for innovation in eco- Project 2: To what extent are soil program/. logical agriculture and build EFAO’s ca- health tests reproducible and sensitive pacity to support the research to practices on ecological farms? EFAO’s Farmer-led Research Pro- A full list of member-identified - re Farmer-Researchers: Paul DeJong, gram is made possible by a grant from search interests and the report from Ken Laing, Tony McQuail the Ontario Trillium Foundation. the Advisory Panel is posted online un- It is widely recognized that standard Contact: Sarah Hargreaves [email protected]

To help farmer-researchers plan their on-farm trials, EFAO hosted its first webinar, On-Farm Research Trial Design & Analysis, on March 30. A recorded version of the webinar is archived at efao.ca/webinars.

We are hosting Farmer-led Re- search Field Days this summer. Stay tuned for details!

Can’t make it to a field day? Then track our progress! We will post re- search protocols and progress re- ports throughout the summer.

17 Ecological Farming in Ontario Stock Exchange Scuffler 3 wheel, foot pedal Collapsible, blue header line FOR SALE steering, good shape $1800.00. clips, nipples, drip line, plastic 2016 organic spelt & wheat and an online emitter. Canadienne Bull: “Bambi” is straw in the swath. Used. $300 takes all. registered Canadienne, six years Dewalt 20 volt cordless sheep Contact Ecologic c/o Rick Corne- old, has his horns and is tied in shears $375 lissen 519-200-2441 or ecolog- the barn with the cows at night Contact Elmer Albrecht # 453 [email protected] over winter. Northline Ave, RR 2 Kincardine, Please call Henry at 1-613-337- ON N2Z 2X4 FOR RENT 8824 between noon & 2 or leave message. Piglets, gilts, sows & boars. Call Farmhouse/Rooms and Organic for details. Farmland NW of Markdale Team of bred Fjord mares, both Contact: angelawisnoski@gmail. Five bedroom farmhouse or due in early May, Full sisters, 8 & com or 519-232-9150 rooms. ~60 acres of farmland 9 years old, Quiet, experienced in with a south slope, spring and field, garden & woodlot. Harness Certified organic spelt (2015) river, bank barn and outbuild- too. straw. 4x5 rounds stored out- ings. Ready to be certified. Contact Tony McQuail 519-528- side. Contact: yehuda.nestel@gmail. 2493 [email protected] Call Lorne @ 519-820-5670 com

Ecological Farming in Ontario 18 Organic crops need a good start...er TEK-MAC ENTERPRISES

Plot work this year is showing an excellent response to our starters

and reap the many benefits of EFAO membership, including: fast, practical answers to yourJoin questionsus today by phone  current information on practices, seed sources and pricing  farmer-to- farmer fellowship and support  reduced rates for on-farm advisor visits  25% off fees for courses and workshops  bi-monthly newsletter & monthly e-News calendar of events and more!

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County: 2016 Membership Rates Newsletter subscription $50 yr Province: Postal Code: Print newsletter and e-News only Family/Farm $75 yr $130 2 yrs Telephone: Full membership Business/Not-For-Profit $250 yr Email: Full membership plus discount display advertising in our newsletter, display link Farm Size: on our website and additional copies of our newsletter at cost. Farmer Status: full time part time educator Sustaining $250 yr Full membership plus acknowledgement in media other our newsletter and our sincere gratitude! For more detailed information on membership Main Farming Enterprises: field crops livestock fruit benfits please go to our website www.efao.ca. Payment Options vegetables specialty items CHEQUE or CREDIT CARD For credit card payments List of Marketed Products: please visit www.efao.ca. Or mail your application and cheque to: Ecological Farmers of Ontario Organic Status: certified not certified in transition not organic 5420 Hwy 6 North, RR5 Guelph, ON N1H 6J2 19 Ecological Farming in Ontario RETURN UNDELIVERABLE ITEMS TO: 42230514 ECOLOGICAL FARMERS OF ONTARIO 5420 HIGHWAY 6 NORTH, RR5 GUELPH, ON N1H 6J2

Organic Farm and Garden Supplies and Field Crop Marketing

Homestead Organics Forward contracts for food and feed crops: buckwheat, cereals, corn, peas, soybeans Mixed feed for all your farm livestock — livestock supplements and health products — soil amendments — seed — pest control products www.homesteadorganics.ca Berwick, Ontario — 1-877-984-0480 Call or visit our website for the list of our dealers in Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes