The Ignatius Jesuit Centre (IJC) is helping small growers and farmers cultivate their ideas through its annual farmland rental program.
IJC is a not-for-profit charity situated on 600 acres of woodlands, wetlands and farmland just outside Guelph Ontario.
IJC aspires to be an equitable and inclusive space where a diversity of life experiences, identities and perspectives work together.
Ignatius Farm is a regional leader in organic farming, focused on community and training. Annually, over 2000 people visit, consult with, and participate directly with Ignatius Farm projects.
Ignatius Farm is currently reviewing applications for the 2022 season. Applicants can apply to rent small fields of five acres or less, or quarter-acre sections for agricultural businesses.
The program is accepting proposals from individuals, groups, organizations, and enterprises focusing on agriculture, education, or research.
Selected applicants will be able to start farmland tenancy in the spring. While the proposal deadline passed on January 20th, residents interested in applying may be eligible for a plot in late summer.
Any complementary proposal is welcome. Examples include:
- Food, fiber crops or livestock to be marketed in part to existing Ignatius Farm community and clients
- Growing crops for inclusion in Ignatius Farm CSA shares
- Livestock farmer who can supply manures, composts, and/or grazing complementary with current enterprises
- Seed-saving, breeding and seed keeper work
- Forest gardens, alley cropping, silvopasture or permaculture projects; plant nurseries
- Christmas tree farm
- Farmer utilizing draft power who could demonstrate, and provide custom draft work for others
- Teaching plots
Final approval and preparation of leases occurs over the month of March and April.
For more information, visit ignatiusguelph.ca.