The growing season is in full swing, and we thought it would be fitting to share the OFT-protected farms offering fresh produce and on-farm experiences throughout the year. These farms are permanently protected through OFT’s Farmland Protection and Stewardship Program using a range of protection tools, including Conservation Easement Agreements (CEAs) and donations of farmland.
A CEA is a voluntary legal agreement that permanently protects farmland and its associated natural features from future non-agricultural development, while allowing the land to remain in private ownership and active agricultural use in perpetuity. Other farms, like Bourgeois Farm, are protected through fee simple donation, where ownership of the land has been entrusted to OFT to ensure it remains protected and farmed for future generations.
- McBride Farm
Tenant farmers at the McBride Farm operate CampHouse Farm, with offerings including a 20-week CSA program, online shop, and farm store. They grow more than 50 varieties of vegetables and raise chickens, cattle, and pigs.
Location: Oro-Mdeonte
Protected in: 2024
- Stevens Farm (Wilmot Orchards)
At Wilmot Orchards, the Stevens family grows nine varieties of highbush blueberries available for pick-your-own or pre-picked purchase beginning in August. Visitors can also stop by the on-farm café for made-from-scratch blueberry treats.
Location: Newcastle
Protected in: 2024
- Bourgeois Farm
This summer, OFT’s Bourgeois Farm will host a variety of community engagement events focused on farmland stewardship education and our best management practice demonstration plots, including farm tours, a moth ID night, and harvest events.
To stay updated on our upcoming community engagement events, sign up for our Bourgeois Farm Newsletter here.
Location: Tiverton
Protected in: 2024
- Morrison Farm
The Morrison Pumpkin Farm is a multi-generational family-owned farm, growing over 50 varieties of pumpkins, squash, and ornamentals. They offer family fun events and activities, including pumpkin picking every fall.
Location: Collingwood
Protected in: 2018
- Ignatius Jesuit Centre
Ignatius Jesuit Centre hosts a range of events, workshops, and learning opportunities throughout the year, with a focus on integrating conservation, regenerative farming, spiritual programming, and ecology.
Location: Guelph
Protected in: 2015
Farmland has always been at the heart of the foods we share and the memories we make. When farmland stays in active production, it continues feeding communities, supporting local businesses, and creating opportunities for people to connect with where their food comes from. We’re proud to work alongside you to help make that possible for generations to come.
Source : Ontario Farmland Trust