Saturday Sessions

Equipment and Tools with Zach Loeks

This workshop is a tool and equipment eye view of the growing season. Tools are extensions of our hands, and equipment extensions of our bodies, allowing us to achieve much more power input into garden and farm tasks and fine-tune our abilities with precise designs! There are tools and equipment for every garden task—indeed there are many, depending on your scale and goals. This course looks at the seasonal operation cycle of a market garden or vegetable garden and showcases the types of tools and equipment you may consider when you start up, as well as changes or new choices you make as you scale up. It considers how to plan for an eventual “pro-up” phase to avoid overinvesting. From rakes and shovels to two-wheel tractors, this workshop explores meeting your weakest link with a well-placed tool.

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Meet Zach Loeks

Zach Loeks is an edible ecosystem designer, innovative researcher and Permaculture grower. Through Edible Eco-System Design he helps homes, farms, schools, and municipalities create more edible and diverse landscapes. He is the author of The Permaculture Market Garden, The Two-Wheel Tractor Handbook and The Edible Ecosystem Solution and The Garden Tool Handbook. Zach lives between two research projects: his award-winning farm in Cobden, ON and his urban homestead in Winnipeg, Manitoba.  His online courses at www.EcosystemU.com puts YOU as the designer of your own abundant and biodiverse eco-systems! See www.zachloeks.com for more information.

Organic Beekeeping with Luc Peters

Discover the transformative power of organic beekeeping and its vital role in shaping a sustainable future. This engaging session delves into the principles and practices of organic beekeeping, emphasizing the importance of maintaining natural habitats, avoiding synthetic chemicals, and promoting the health of pollinator populations.
Beyond the hive, we’ll explore the broader societal impact of beekeeping, from supporting local ecosystems and food security to fostering a sense of community and environmental stewardship. Learn how this ancient practice continues to be a cornerstone of ecological balance and a symbol of humanity’s responsibility to nurture life on Earth. Whether you’re a seasoned beekeeper or curious about the craft, this talk will inspire you to embrace organic methods and contribute to the growing movement for a healthier planet

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Meet Luc Peters

Luc started the urban bee farm Humble Bee in 2013 and teamed up with Dan Douma in 2015 when they were both hired at Toronto FoodShare to mentor the Toronto Beekeepers Collective.Luc has always been interested in environmental issues and has been a member of Environment Hamilton and the Golden Horseshoe Beekeeper’s Association since 2010. He has also been a member of the Ontario Beekeeper’s Association since 2014. Luc is passionate about not just honey bees but about native bees and pollinators in general. He is also interested in local, organic, and sustainable farming.In 2018, Luc was awarded a Business Link Media Group ’40 Under 40 Business Achievement Award’

Domestic & International Field Crop Market with Ryan Koory and Laura Telford

Join Ryan Koory, Editor of North American Agriculture at Argus, and Laura Telford, the Manitoba organic specialist, on a journey through Ontario’s most important field crops. The speakers will share the latest numbers on production and markets to help you understand the trade environment for Ontario’s major organic grain commodities.

Ryan Koory

Ryan Kooryis the Editor of North American Agriculture at Argus, where he leads market reporting and oversees the development of the company’s expanding network of market data partners. In collaboration with these partners, Mr. Koory and his team provide essential data and insights for North American agricultural markets, including organic and non-GMO commodities. With over 15 years of experience producing data and research for agricultural markets worldwide, Ryan brings extensive expertise to the role.

Dr. Laura Telford

Dr. Laura Telfordis the Organic Sector Development Specialist at Manitoba Agriculture and has been a leader in the organic sector since 2003. She holds a PhD from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, and previously served as the National Director of Canadian Organic Growers in Ottawa. Now based in Manitoba, Laura works closely with the organic sector to strengthen its capacity and resilience

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Biochar Basics with Elliott Groen

Join Elliott Groen for a 90-minute session on the practical use of biochar in organic agriculture. This session will explore the essentials of biochar, including its production from organic materials and its role in enhancing soil health. Elliott will discuss when it’s more cost-effective to produce biochar in-house versus purchasing it commercially, considering factors like scale, resources, and local availability. Learn about the most suitable settings for biochar application and how it can be tailored to specific agricultural needs. The session will feature research findings and case studies demonstrating biochar’s impact on soil fertility, water retention, and crop yields in various organic farming scenarios. Perfect for organic farmers and agronomists, this session offers actionable insights for integrating biochar effectively and economically into your agricultural practices.

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Meet Elliot Groen

Elliott Groen is the Sustainable Forestry Coordinator in a shared position with the Kawartha Land Trust and the Ontario Woodlot Association. Through this he works on challenges and opportunities for managing and restoring treed landscapes. This includes facilitating harvests, plantings and invasive species control as well as landscape level analysis for funding and operationalizing cross-sectoral restoration activities. He is a graduate of Sir Sandford Fleming College and before getting into forestry he worked as a chef, market gardener and carpenter.

Edible Ecosystem Designs with Zach Loeks

There is a reason most farms are monocropping, and even diverse market gardens may focus on full plots of single annual crops—biodiversity can be tricky to manage! Edible Ecosystem Design provides a modular and systematic approach to growing annuals, perennials, and even integrating animals and fungi into a commercially viable farm or sustainable homestead. In this session, author and ecosystem innovator Zach Loeks will provide case studies from his farm and projects he works with to illustrate core principles of mimicry of wild ecosystems for productive food landscapes for maximum benefits and efficiency. For farmers, market gardeners, landscapers, and homeowners, ecosystem design is a model for profitable and productive, beautiful and bountiful land management.

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Meet Zach Loeks

Zach Loeks is an edible ecosystem designer, innovative researcher and Permaculture grower. Through Edible Eco-System Design he helps homes, farms, schools, and municipalities create more edible and diverse landscapes. He is the author of The Permaculture Market Garden, The Two-Wheel Tractor Handbook and The Edible Ecosystem Solution and The Garden Tool Handbook. Zach lives between two research projects: his award-winning farm in Cobden, ON and his urban homestead in Winnipeg, Manitoba.  His online courses at www.EcosystemU.com puts YOU as the designer of your own abundant and biodiverse eco-systems! See www.zachloeks.com for more information.

Your CERTIFICATION questions answered OMRI, Pro-cert, Ecocert, CSI

Join us for an insightful discussion on making organic certification more accessible and manageable for farms. Representatives from leading certifying bodies, including Pro-Cert, Ecocert CSI, and OMRI (a trusted authority on organic inputs), will share strategies to simplify the certification process, maintain compliance, and access approved inputs. This session will provide practical tips and explore innovative approaches to support farmers in achieving and sustaining organic certification with greater ease.

Biochar and Wood Vinegar with Owen Goltz

Discover the potential of wood vinegar, a by-product of biochar production, and how it can transform your farm. Made by heating wood in a low-oxygen environment, wood vinegar contains over 200 beneficial compounds like acetic acid and natural phenols that support plant and soil health.

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Meet Owen Goltz

Owen's career spanned over 30 years in the arboriculture industry as a climber, teacher, mentor, innovator, and consultant. In 2008, Owen sold his company to pursue a childhood dream of becoming a farmer. Over the years, he has honed his soil health skills and is now recognized both locally and internationally for his innovations in composting, brewing, biochar, and wood vinegar, and their connections to living soils, plant health, and human well-being. Riverdale Farm and Forest is a living example of the growing possibilities when farming in harmony with nature.

Permaculture Garden Design with Ben Caesar

In this 90-minute workshop, Ben Caesar will guide you through the principles of creating a thriving, low-maintenance garden using perennial crops. You’ll learn to strategically incorporate diverse perennials, ensuring minimal competition and optimal plant cooperation through permaculture techniques. Discover how to address drainage issues in heavy clay soils with Hugel Mounds, select the best fruit and nut trees for your garden, and calculate the right amount of nitrogen-fixing plants. The session also covers the benefits of edible ground covers and the focus on perennial vegetables and salad greens suited to Ontario’s climate. Ideal for gardeners and permaculture enthusiasts, this workshop will equip you with practical skills to design a resilient and productive garden ecosystem. Join Ben to transform your gardening practices with sustainable, innovative techniques.

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Meet Ben Caesar

Ben Caesar was born and raised in Elmira, Ontario. He has been experimenting with perennial edibles for many years and opened Fiddlehead Nursery in 2012. He manages (and eats from) an ever-expanding demonstration garden to showcase some of the best plants for edible landscapes. He’s always experimenting with new edible plants and is passionate about gardens that mimic the diversity and structure of natural ecosystems as they build soil and produce food.

Crop Livestock Integration with Morris and Derek Van de Walle

Organic Fruit Production with David Passafiume

David will be presenting on his journey and practices in organic fruit production. He will cover the entire process from site preparation to planting and ongoing maintenance, with a focus on strawberries and apples, and a brief look at raspberries. Key topics include the use of cover crops, crop rotation, and sustainable practices such as eliminating synthetic chemicals and enhancing soil health with micronutrients and compost. 

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Meet David Passafiume

David Passafiume and his family run a certified organic farm located in Markham, Ontario. In 2001, they decided to convert to organic farming, and after much effort—and a lot of hoeing—they opened their gates to the public in 2007. The farm grows a variety of organic and local products, including pick-your-own and ready-picked strawberries, raspberries, and apples.

Organic Maple Syrup with Terry Hoover

In this session, Terry will walk you through tried-and-true methods that every producer should know, while also diving into fresh ideas that can help you create a better product. He’s all about expecting the unexpected, so be prepared for some surprises along the way! You’ll have the chance to ask your burning questions, whether you’re looking to improve your operation or tackle specific challenges you’re facing. Plus, Terry will share his thoughts on the future of maple syrup production and where the industry is headed. 

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Meet Terry Hoover

Join Terry Hoover, a dedicated expert in organic maple syrup production and former President of the Ontario Maple Syrup Production Association (OMPSA), for an insightful and engaging session. Terry’s journey in maple syrup started at just eight years old, and he’s been sharing his passion for the craft ever since. 

Seeds of Change: Lakeview Organic's Future with Klaas & Mary-Howell Martens

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Klaas & Mary-Howell Martens

Klaas and Mary-Howell Martens farm about 2000 acres of certified organic grain with their sons, Peter and Daniel, in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York. Their first certified organic wheat crop was in 1992.  As they deliberately concluded the feed business, Lakeview Organic Grain, in 2024, Mary-Howell has returned to her first love. - food- as an educational instructor at New York Kitchen, a public/private facility that promotes New York beverages and agricultural products.  Klaas enjoys researching Big Picture products, such as a farm-scale solar micro-grid and a local irrigation district. He is on the American Farmland Trust Board of Directors and several Cornell University advisory boards. 

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