FarmStart

FarmStart previously operated a New Farms Incubator Program just north of the Guelph City limits on land owned by the Ignatius Jesuit Centre of Guelph. FarmStart is now focusing on our current incubator program at the McVean Farm in Brampton.

If you are interested please check out our New Farms Inclubator Program and think about Submitting an Applicaton. You also might want to know where it is, see photos of the facility and current farmers or read profiles of the 2007 participants.

Click for more images of the program participants.

Land

The Ignatius Farm cropland is certified organic by the OCPP/Pro-Cert Canada and crop rotation, compost application and the ploughing down of cover crops maintain soil fertility and weed control. FarmStart participants rented from a fraction of one acre to over a hundred acres, depending on the requirements of their specific crop or livestock enterprises. There was a total of 200 rentable acres. Participants were required to maintain soil fertility and weed control on their respective parcels of land through ecological farming methods that are approved by the certifying body.

Equipment

Ignatius College owns a line of tractors and tillage equipment that is available on either a custom work or rental basis. Tillage equipment includes ploughs, discs, cultivators, harrows and roto-tillers. Custom combining services are available on site at standard rates, and two seed cleaners can be used for removing weed seed and dirt from bean and grain crops. Those who wish to rent and operate tractors and equipment must first take operator and safety training provided by the Farm Manager.

Infrastructure

Green house facilities are available for farmers interested in season extension. Limited irrigation water is available to the green house and to small outdoor garden plots, and future plans include harvesting rainwater from barn and shed roofs and expanding other water resources as required. Water conservation measures such as mulching and drip irrigation systems are strongly recommended.

Horticultural inputs

High quality compost is available for purchase by participants, and organic seed for a variety of cover crops is usually available. Assistance was also provided for sourcing some seeds and other planting materials. To maintain certification, organic planting materials must be used for all crops, unless certified seeds are found to be unavailable, in which case untreated seed may be used.

Barns and storage

Barn space is available for livestock operations, and some shed space is available for storage of equipment and crops. Participants can be directed to organically certified abattoir facilities and to some certified food processing facilities. At present cold storage facilities are not available, but these can be arranged, if required.

Cooperative Marketing

Ignatius supports cooperative marketing efforts by participants and strives to avoid competition among farm operations at Ignatius, including their 130 member CSA program. Assistance is available in conducting or accessing market research for specific crops and livestock. Participants are also encouraged to consider value -measures to enhance income from their crops.

Training and Mentorship

Mentorship and training are an important part of FarmStart’s programs. Business planning and management courses are conducted on a regular basis, and participants are referred to a wide range of training courses and mentorship opportunities offered by our partner organizations, including the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario and Farmers Growing Farmers. The farm manager and program manager act as mentors as well as providing technical and practical support to participants on site as required.

Resources:

New Farms Inclubator Program
Submitting an Applicaton
Farm Facilities Locations Map
Photos of the facility and current farmers
Profiles of the 2007 participants.