This summer, we’re hitting the road (and the fields!) to connect people, places, and practices that are shaping Ontario’s organic and sustainable food systems. The Feet on Farms tour is your invitation to get inspired—whether you’re a grower, a conscious consumer, or someone curious about how food, farming, and community come together.
Each stop on the tour offers a unique opportunity to explore organic principles in action—ranging from regenerative orchards to urban composting, biodynamic vineyards to blueberry picking and more.
See you next year!
Past Events
Stop #1: July 14 – City Roots Urban Farm Tour with The Stop (Toronto, ON)
12:30–4:30 PM
Start with a guided tour of The Stop’s Green Barn, then dig into composting and community-powered growing at Earlscourt Garden. Explore cultural crops, pollinator plants, and food justice in action. (Capacity: 10–15 people)
Event Schedule
12:30–1:00 PM – Tour of The Stop’s Green Barn (with Adwoa)
1:00–2:00PM – Break
2:00-2:30PM – Departure (walk to Christie and St. Clair street car stop; take the St. Clair Street car (toward Keele) and get off at Lansdowne)
2:30–4:30 PM – Composting Workshop at Earlscourt Garden (with Rob)
Green Barn Directions:
The Stop Green Barn is located at 601 Christie Street in Wychwood Barns – if you are facing the main entrance of the building at Christie Street & Benson, enter on the right side or east side of the building where you will see some scaffolding. We are located behind the metal gates, and our door has our logo on it.
Earlscourt Garden Directions:
The garden is located at Earlscourt Park (1200 Lansdowne Ave) between St. Clair and Davenport Rd. If you are coming from St. Clair, you can head south into the park, and the garden is just past the splash pad enclosed by metal fencing. The entrance to the garden is at the front end next to the shelter in the garden. If you are coming from Davenport: The garden is up the hill at the northeast corner of the running track along the laneway (just west of Lansdowne Ave).
Helpful points to know when coming to the garden:
- Please bring a water bottle, hat and sunscreen while you are in the garden, as you will be outside and under the sun for much of the session.
- Please come ready to be in the garden with weather-appropriate shoes and clothes you can be outside in and get a little dirty.
- You may be handling a bit of dirt – You are welcome to bring your own garden gloves if you have them. We have extras if not!
Pit Stop! July 22- Summer BBQ at GoodLot Farmstead Brewery (Alton, ON)
A fun afternoon of networking, learning, food and beverage celebrating Ontario’s agritourism sector at GoodLot Brewery!
Pit Stop! July 27- Public Open House at The New Farm (Creemore, ON)
11:00am–2:00 PM
The Organic Council of Ontario is excited to share this community event hosted by The New Farm Centre! Join them for an open house to explore their beautiful space, learn about their innovative work in sustainable agriculture, and enjoy an afternoon of great food and connection.
Guests can look forward to fresh greens, ice cream, cold drinks, and wood-fired pizza available for purchase. It’s a perfect summer outing for families and friends alike.
Please note: no pets allowed.
Stop #2: July 27- Wine, Native Plants & the Science Behind the Sip: Feet on Farms Tour (Southbrook Vineyards, Niagara-on-the-Lake)
Starting at 2:00 PM
Join OCO for a guided vineyard tour led by Vineyard Manager Len Van Hoffen & Dr. Liette Vasseur (Brock University & Organic Science Cluster). Follow the tour through three tasting stops featuring Chardonnay, Syrah & Cabernet Sauvignon and learn all about the native plant research for pest management conducted by Dr. Vasseur and the Organic Science Cluster 4. Wrap up with a wine social, local bites & great conversation!
Pit Stop! July 27 – COG Tour Part 1 (Farrellton, QC area)
12:30pm-5:00pm
Tour Schedule
- 12:30 – 1:45 pm Rock’s End Farm/Ferme Rock’s End (88 chemin Echo Dale, Farrellton, QC J0X 1T0) – Certified organic, regeneratively raised meats and wool
- 2:00 – 3:15 pm Champignon Le Coprin (73 chemin Echo Dale) – Organic cultivated mushrooms and wild mushrooms
- 3:15 – 4:00 snack break (bring your own)
- 4:00 – 5:00 pm Ferme Northslope Farm (69 chemin Woods) – U-pick organic haskaps and blueberries
Please notify the tour organizer, Tuula Talvila (tuula@ncf.ca), of your intentions to participate in the tour, so that you can be notified of any changes/issues that may arise … and answer any questions you may have.
Stop #3: August 6 – Blueberry Morning at Bluegroves Farms (West Lorne, ON)
9:00–11:00 AM
Start the day with a mini info session and become an expert on organic blueberries! Follow up the 30-min information session by picking some delicious blueberries. Grab some baked goods made with farm-fresh fruit. Family-friendly and delicious!
Stop #4: August 21: Market Meet-Up with OCO (Dufferin Grove Organic Farmers’ Market, Toronto, ON)
3:00-7:00pm
The Organic Council of Ontario (OCO) is planning a pop-up at the Dufferin Grove Organic Farmers’ Market! Come say hello at our table to learn more about what organic really means in Ontario, how to identify certified organic products, and the work OCO is doing to support organic farmers, businesses, and consumers across the province.
We’ll have free resources, friendly faces, and opportunities to get involved in building a stronger, more sustainable food system. Stay tuned for confirmed details!
Stop #5: September 13th: From Branch to Basket at Organics Farm (Markham, ON)
12pm-1pm
(Arrive at 11:30am to check in and meet at the OCO Booth)
From Branch to Basket at Organics Farm
Saturday, September 13
Farm Tour runs from 12:00pm – 1:00 PM
Organics Farm
7550 19th Ave, Markham, ON L6B 1A8
Join us for a crisp and colourful morning at Organics Farm in Markham, a family-run organic farm that grows apples, raspberries, and strawberries, and is deeply committed to sustainability, health, and community.
After decades of conventional fruit growing, the Passafiume family made the transition to organic farming in 2001. Motivated by the realities of climate change, resource depletion, and a desire to return to a more balanced way of life, they’ve transformed their farm into a vibrant ecosystem by eliminating synthetic chemicals, preserving wetlands and shelter belts, and regenerating their soil to nourish both crops and community.
During this special fall event, you’ll learn what it means to grow food in harmony with nature, and how this family is helping rebuild a healthy, local food system—right here in Ontario.
Pricing & Admission
NOTE: Registration happens at the farm on the day of the event.
Admission to the farm is $17 per person (ages 3 and up).
This includes:
- Entry to the orchard
- A 5lb bag for pick-your-own apples
- Access to the free guided farm tour during the event
Tour Time & Arrival Info
The guided farm tour runs from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.
We recommend arriving by 11:30 AM to check in and find the Organic Council of Ontario booth, where the tour will begin.
You’re welcome to arrive earlier in the day to pick apples before the tour, or stay after the tour to pick your apples at your own pace.
Note: You’ll pay the $17 entry fee on the day at the farm.
Pit Stop! COG Farm Tour 2 – Sunday, September 14 (Almonte, ON area)
10:00am-3:15pm
Tour Schedule
- 10:00 – 11:00 am Divine Colour Acres (1178 Upper Perth Road) – Micro permaculture flower farm
- 11:20 am – 12:20 pm Community Compost Composers (4925 March Road) – Fungal dominant compost producer
- 12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch break in Almonte – bring your own or eat in Almonte
- 1:45 – 3:15 pm Indian Creek Orchard Gardens (919 Sugar Bush Road) – Regenerative, agroforestry organic orchard and vegetables
There is no charge for the tour, but donations to help support the Canadian Organic Growers – Ottawa-St Lawrence-Outaouais Chapter will be gratefully accepted (There will be a donation box at the tour).
Please notify the tour organizer, Tuula Talvila (tuula@ncf.ca), of your intentions to participate in the tour, so that we can notify you of any changes/issues that may arise … and answer any questions you may have.
Stop #6: September 27th: A Day at Pfennings!(New Hamburg, ON)
Time TBD
We’re excited to announce an upcoming event at Pfennings Organic Farm! Get ready for a day of fun, learning, and connecting with the organic community. Details are still being finalized, but we promise fresh ideas, good vibes, and a taste of farm life.
Stay tuned! We’ll share the full schedule, activities, and how to join soon!