Blog Category: Education

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Food Growing and Farming

Posted by Michelle Lam on June 20, 2022

You’re probably here because you want to see a change in the future of food growing and farming. At the heart of that change is who grows our food, and even more so – who is able to access the resources to do so. Like us, you’ve probably noticed that certain farmer demographics are more predominantly represented than others. The question then is – how do we break down these barriers so that EVERYONE can succeed? We believe that it starts with education. As an organization focused on new and young farmers, we want to centre equity-deserving farmers in the … Continue reading Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Food Growing and Farming →

Delighted by Colour and Sound: Winter Reflections from the Blackfoot Phenology for Farmers Course

Posted by Rachel Spruston on May 30, 2022

Photo by Brenda Bohmer As part of the Blackfoot Phenology for Farmers course, a group of farmers, growers, and food lovers across many Indigenous territories and ecosystems have committed to one year of active ecological observation based on the Blackfoot lunar calendar. Students pick a study site in their area and visit it often in order to recognize and learn from the patterns, relationships, and cycles they observe. Here are some of their reflections from the second part of winter. The past few moon cycles have been rich with change. We have passed through both the winter solstice and the … Continue reading Delighted by Colour and Sound: Winter Reflections from the Blackfoot Phenology for Farmers Course →

How to Make a Boot Dip to Prevent Infectious Diseases

Posted by Michalina Hunter on May 18, 2022

Boot dips can reduce the spread of infectious diseases among farm livestock. Avian Influenza, for example, can be transmitted from bird to bird by feces, dust, and dander. Humans can facilitate the spread of the virus by unintentionally tracking these materials from farm to farm on their shoes. A boot dip is a disinfectant foot bath used to kill disease-causing organisms on footwear, used to prevent the spread of livestock diseases. A boot dip may be a good idea for you and your staff to use before you enter your brooder or chicken coop as a way to prevent diseases … Continue reading How to Make a Boot Dip to Prevent Infectious Diseases →

JOBS: Victoria, BC – CRFAIR, YESS Food Hub Network Youth Employment Program

Posted by Michalina Hunter on May 05, 2022

CRFAIR in Victoria, BC is recruiting for the YESS Food Hub Network Youth Employment Program! Have you always wanted to work in the food industry in organizations that are actively working to strengthen food security, social equity and local food systems – but not known where to start? Are you looking to be supported and led into the thriving food security network in Victoria while being paid to earn certifications, gain on-the-job training, find your niche in the food industry and network with the organizations sowing the seeds for food security? Are you between the ages of 15 to 30? … Continue reading JOBS: Victoria, BC – CRFAIR, YESS Food Hub Network Youth Employment Program →

How to Reduce Plastic in Agriculture

Posted by Rachel Spruston on May 02, 2022

Plastic is widely used in agriculture for weed suppression, packaging, seed starting, and more. However, studies show that plastic can disrupt soil health, stunt plant growth, and leach from soils into aquatic environments. Here we dive into the issue of plastic in agriculture, and showcase Canadian farmers who’ve found alternatives. The phrase ‘plastic pollution’ is more likely to bring to mind heartbreaking photos of remote Pacific Ocean beaches littered with plastic or wildlife trapped in six-pack rings than images of earthworms and soil profiles. While marine plastic pollution tends to get the most attention, and for good reason (a recent … Continue reading How to Reduce Plastic in Agriculture →

Ignatius Farm New Farmer Training Program

Posted by Michalina Hunter on April 08, 2022

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, … Continue reading Ignatius Farm New Farmer Training Program →

INTERNSHIP: OTTAWA, ON – GreenPAC Parliamentary Internship for the Environment & Agriculture

Posted by Michalina Hunter on April 08, 2022

The GreenPAC Parliamentary Internship for the Environment is Canada’s premier internship program for emerging environmental leaders on Parliament Hill. Since 2018, in partnership with Sustainability Network, GreenPAC has offered outstanding young leaders, aged 18-30, the chance to gain paid, invaluable training and experience alongside some of Canada’s top environmental champions in Ottawa. Each year from September to June, interns work full-time in the Parliament Hill office of a Member of Parliament (MP) with a proven record of environmental commitment. Reflecting GreenPAC’s commitment to nonpartisanship, host MPs come from every major national political party. Interns gain a deep, day-to-day understanding of … Continue reading INTERNSHIP: OTTAWA, ON – GreenPAC Parliamentary Internship for the Environment & Agriculture →

YA APPRENTICESHIP 2022: CARTWRIGHT, MB – FRESH ROOTS FARM

Posted by Sara Yagelniski on February 08, 2022

Are you an aspiring farmer who wants to gain experience growing amazing food for an amazing community? Fresh Roots Farm is excited to offer a meaningful apprenticeship to help you on your farming journey. About the Farm Fresh Roots Farm is located on Treaty 1 territory near Cartwright, MB. Michelle Schram and Troy Stozek have been farming since 2011, on a quarter section inherited from Michelle’s grandparents. They decided to try and make a living from the land, laying down “fresh roots” along with optimism for a modern yet traditional style of food production. They rent another quarter section from Michelle’s … Continue reading YA APPRENTICESHIP 2022: CARTWRIGHT, MB – FRESH ROOTS FARM →

YA APPRENTICESHIP 2022: Blue Ridge, AB – Blue Ridge Farms

Posted by Kolby Peterson on February 08, 2022

Are you an aspiring farmer hoping to be immersed in a farm that’s ‘got it all’? Are you hoping to learn about multiple kinds of livestock, spend time in the garden, help with the farm store, and work with farmers who are also raising some free-range kiddos? Join Jillian and Brett in their adventures on Blue Ridge Farms. About the Farm Brett and Jillian started farming in the spring of 2011. They have slowly taken down the old corrals and built new ones, and filled them with cattle over the years. They are now a 400 head cow-calf ranch and … Continue reading YA APPRENTICESHIP 2022: Blue Ridge, AB – Blue Ridge Farms →

YA APPRENTICESHIP 2022: BALMORAL, MB – FOSTERING CHANGE FARM

Posted by Sara Yagelniski on February 08, 2022 1 Comment

Farming opportunity to get your hands dirty in 2022 farming with the folks at Fostering Change Farm! Spend time working with cows, pigs, chickens, and goats and enjoy your summer in a fun farm adventure between the big beautiful lakes in the middle of Manitoba. ABOUT FOSTERING CHANGE FARM Fostering Change Farm is located near Balmoral, Manitoba – Treaty 1 Territory Fostering Change Farm is a small farm in the Interlake area of Manitoba comprised of 80 acres of land of which 40 acres are forest, 30 acres are meadow and 10 acres are marsh (primarily a reclaimed gravel pit). … Continue reading YA APPRENTICESHIP 2022: BALMORAL, MB – FOSTERING CHANGE FARM →