FarmStart

FarmStart has been busy this season developing a research and training facility in Brampton at the historic McVean Farm. This fifty-acre facility is owned by the Toronto and Region Conservation and leased to FarmStart on a long-term lease. Now in its second year of production, the facility accommodates several farm enterprises, including Matchbox Garden & Seed Co., The Fresh Veggies, and The Cutting Veg.

If you are interested in farming at the McVean farm, please check out our New Farms Inclubator Program and consider Submitting an Application. You also might want to see the 2009 photos of the farm and know where it is. The address for the McVean Farm Property is N/W corner of McVean Drive & Queen St. E., Pt. Lt. 6 Conc. 8 N.D. , Brampton, ON.

Land

Please click for a slideshow of McVean (courtesy of Laura Berman).

Parcels from a fraction of an acre to ten acres are available at the McVean Incubator Farm. Participants have access to tilled land, ready for planting.  Soil tests have been conducted and organic amendments are applied as needed to ensure soil fertility.

The certification process has been started.  Full organic certification should be in place for the 2010 season.

Land is also available to community groups in Brampton that may wish to establish community garden programs. Please contact the FarmStart office if you are interested in land for a community program.

Facilities and Equipment

Roto-tillers and hand tools are available to participants, as are storage facilities. Specialized tools for individual operations can be sourced but their purchase will be the responsibility of individual farmers.

The 2008 season saw the establishment of research and education plots to demonstrate water conservation techniques and the growing of non-traditional crops. The 2009 season has brought in a tractor and a walk-behind tractor (BSC) as well as continuing the irrigation systems and non-traditional crops.

Cooperative Marketing

FarmStart supports cooperative marketing efforts by participants and strives to avoid competition among participants. A farm market building will be constructed when required by participant farmers to allow for direct sales of crops to the public. Assistance is available in conducting or accessing market research for specific crops and livestock. Participants are also encouraged to consider value added measures to enhance income from their crops.

Horticultural Inputs

FarmStart assists participants in sourcing planting materials and custom work as required by individual farm operations.

Mentorship and Training

Mentoring 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 partner organizations such as the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario, Farmers Growing Farmers, and others. 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
McVean Incubator Farm Map