2023 Annual Guide to Organic Farms, Markets, Suppliers, and more…

A directory of Ontario organic and/or pesticide-free farms with pick-your-own and farmgate sales, plus markets, stores, suppliers, restaurants, and events around the province  

JOYFULLY ORGANIC FARM • MARKHAM, STOUFFVILLE CSA; FM: Imagine a CSA share of fresh, local vegetables, that you can’t wait to open each week! The most delicious part? Big, beautiful flavours! Joyfully Organic Farm is run by a passionate team of young, first generation farmers – the heart and hands behind the food they grow. Joyfully Organic Farm grows over 40 types of vegetables, which makes their CSA an inspiring experience! They are passionate about soil health, which is passed along in their nutrient-packed, delicious vegetables. To top it off, each season you’ll be invited to member-only farm tours and events! Each year they throw a gigantic potluck dinner in the middle of their vegetable field!

Pick up your share in Markham, Stouffville or Toronto. More info visit www.joyfullyorganicfarm.ca Email info@joyfullyorganicfarm.ca Facebook: @joyfullyorganicfarm Instagram: @joyfullyorganicfarm

Apples, cider and more at Bousfield’s store

BOUSFIELD’S APPLES AND CIDER • MILTON FG: This is a small, third-generation family farm, which has been growing organically since 2000 and is certified organic. Bousfield’s produces a wide variety of apples, pears, fresh-pressed cider, grapes, and raw unpasteurized apple cider vinegar. They also grow garlic, onions, beets, carrots, Swiss chard, potatoes, and tomatoes.

Other products for sale include local honey, maple syrup, and organic flour products. There is a retail store located on the farm open to the public. Produce is picked and ready for sale (not a pick-your-own facility).

Located at 5408 Derry Road, Milton, Ont., the farm store is open daily from 10 am – 6 pm, based on season and availability. Call the farm for availability: 1-905-878-6355. Or drop by their booth, from May to October, at the Milton Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings from 8 am to 12 noon.

SPRING VIEW FARMS • UXBRIDGE, ON: PYO: Chemical-free. Pick your own strawberries and raspberries (not certified organic). Our goal towards chemical-free berries is to avoid any chemical residue in our produce by producing strawberries and raspberries without insecticides, fungicides, or herbicides.

Strawberry season is in June; raspberry/black currant season in July.

Located 10 km north of Uxbridge in the hamlet of Leaskdale at 11680 Durham Rd. 1 (Main St. N.). Open from mid-June, Monday to Saturday, 8 am to 6 pm. No Sunday sales. Covid-19 Protocol in place. Please call ahead: (905) 852-2795.

SHARED HARVEST COMMUNITY FARM • CITY OF DUNNVILLE, ON: This certified organic community farm in Dunnville, Ontario hosts workshops and events throughout the year including Healthy Living Cooking classes; ‘Meals That Heal’ vegan meal plans; and a weekly day retreat for people with life-limiting illness ‘By The Willow Day Hospice’. They grow more than 40 kinds of vegetables and herbs using compost teas and a variety of local botanicals to fertilize plants, feed the soil.

Shared Harvest’s CSA provides certified organic vegetables to residents in the Dunnville and area. With the vision of ‘a world where all people have access to nutritious, sustainably farmed food, Shared Harvest aims to keep prices low and also offers a subsidized box for those experiencing challenges related to food security. Visit Shared Harvest at the Dunnville Farmers Market every Saturday.

For more information please call 1-905-701-7255, or email: sharedharvestdunnville@gmail.com, www.sharedharvestfarm.ca

Strawberry harvest at Ignatius Farm

IGNATIUS FARM • GUELPH CSA, FM: Ignatius Farm is a community organic training farm. It is an integral part of the Ignatius Jesuit Centre and ‘the’ farm for many individuals and community endeavours. The farm grows certified organic strawberries and vegetables for Community Shared Agriculture (CSA) members, the Milton Farmers’ Market, local businesses, and service agencies. The farm’s 3-acre Community Garden, working shares, volunteer, and training programs are popular with those who appreciate working in healthy soil and surroundings.

Ignatius Farm rents land to small organic businesses and non-profits. CSA share options: early, mid- and late summer shares; winter shares; pick up at the farm or a Guelph neighbourhood site.

For more information visit www.ignatiusfarm.ca, or send email to: farmregistration@ignatiusguelph.ca

Everdale Farm now celebrating 20 years

EVERDALE ORGANIC FARM • HILLSBURGH CSA; FG: Founded in 1998, Everdale is a not-for-profit food and farming project with a charitable mission to build healthy communities through food. This year, Everdale celebrates 23 years of growing fruits and vegetables organically that serves their version of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) with the Harvest Share program and supporting partner agencies. It has hosted thousands of visitors over the years with educational programming such as Farm School programs, Summer Farm Camp, Team Building days, Farm Planner courses, Farmer Training courses, and CarrotFest/CarrotStock.

For more information contact: David Alexander; Farm Programs Co-ordinator, 5812 6th Line, Erin, ON. Tel: (519) 855-4859

TANSY ORCHARD ORGANIC APPLES • BEAVER VALLEY, ON: Tansy Orchard was started by Richard Frisby in 1989. He was the first organic apple producer in the Beaver Valley (near Collingwood) in the Nottawasaga Bay region. He has planted over 2,000 trees on his property.

He started with 500 in 1989 and then planted 500 for each of his three children. Tansy is renowned for producing organic MacIntosh, Empires, Cortland, Spartans, Spies and Ida Red apples. Richard Frisby has been supplying apples to The Big Carrot Natural Food Market for 20 years.

For more information, contact the Big Carrot at: (416) 466-2129.

Enjoying family time at Lifespring Farm

LIFESPRING ‘BEYOND ORGANIC’ FARM • City of Kawartha Lakes FG: Proprietors Ken and Anastasia raise Scottish Highland cows that are grass-fed and finished for the healthiest and tastiest beef around! They also raise free ranging chickens for their brown eggs, and grow a variety of veggies in mineral and Ormus-rich soil, with organic manure, bio-dynamic preps, and cutting edge Radionic technology. They also carry alternative products such as Colloidal Silver/Gold, 5G bracelets, hemp products.

Shop directly from the farm by appointment, or visit the Evergreen BrickWorks Farmers’ Market in Toronto.

Request by email their product list for GTA meetups and deliveries. Come by, have a chat, and learn that if it’s not in your soil, it’s not in your food!

For more information email: lifespringorganics@gmail.com or call (705) 878-3363; and visit: www.lifespringfarm.com

BYs HONEY FARM • NIAGARA, ON: BYs Honey Farm is a family owned and operated business with over 3 generations of honeybee knowledge located on a 50 acres farm at 996 Concession 6 Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada. BYs offers unpasteurized honey, flavoured honey, nucleus colonies, queens, beekeeping supplies, honeybee hive health care supplies, pollination services, bee and swarm removal, bumble bee and wasp removal, beekeeping classes and apitherapy for people looking for alternatives. On the property are many beehives for people to see and even sponsor, BYs shop for all your supply needs including for dealers with wholesale pricing and an apitherapy health center for those looking at alternative methods and therapies. Open 9 am – 5 pm Monday thru Friday and Saturday 10 am – 4 pm all year round. We are in the heart of Niagara’s wine country with nature all around. Call us today at 905.984.4408 or visit www.byshoneyfarm.com

BY’s Honey farm takes pride in a natural safe organic chemical free approach to everything bees have to offer.

ORGANICS FAMILY FARM • MARKHAM PYO; FG: Certified organic strawberries and apples. This is a family-owned and operated farm producing primarily pick-your-own fruit, but they also operate a market where they sell ready-picked fruits, vegetables, and other products. From Wednesday to Sunday they operate a wood-fired oven and bake organic pies, tarts, and artisan bread. Open seasonally with their crops, from 9 am to 5 pm weekends, and 9 am to 6 pm weekdays.

Call ahead for a crop update: (905) 640-5206. For more information visit www.organicsfarm.ca

Farmers Markets

DUFFERIN GROVE FARMERS MARKET • TORONTO, ON:  Dufferin Grove Organic Farmers’ Market is open both in-person and online! A full range of products, including fresh organic vegetables, local honey and maple syrup, prepared and specialty foods, free range eggs and much more is available, with new products added each week. The market is open every Thursday, from 3 to 7 pm, until the end of October at the SOUTH end of Dufferin Grove Park (due to ongoing construction in its usual location).

Also, every Saturday at noon, https://shop.dufferingrovemarket.ca/ opens for delivery orders the following Thursday

THE VILLAGE MARKET • THORNHILL, ON: Open Saturdays year-round, outdoors 8 am to 12 pm. This is an organic farmers’ market with local, organic and biodynamic farmers, featuring fresh organic fruits and vegetables, organic beef, pork and chicken, organic eggs, organic dairy products, plus organic breads and treats. Offering a full range of gluten-free baking and frozen entrees as well.

Located at Toronto Waldorf School, 9100 Bathurst St., one light south of Rutherford Road. Email mgrvillagemarket@gmail.com or visit www.villagemarket.ca

TRINITY BELLWOODS FARMERS MARKET – Located near Dundas and Shaw Streets in Toronto, this market was founded to increase access to fresh, local, sustainable, naturally grown and certified organic agriculture during the Ontario growing season.

This year they are offering the opportunity to naturalize your garden! Ontario native plants will be available for sale at the market on July 12, August 9, and Sept 6. The plants are supplied by Lacewing, a native plant nursery specializing in Ontario native plants that feed and provide habitat for pollinators including birds and butterflies, and other beneficial insects (like Lacewings!) that will protect your garden from pests (Visit: http://lacewing.ca) You can also order online for pick-up at the market which is open on Tuesdays from 3 to 7 pm.
Find more information at: https://www.tbfm.ca/

THE BIG CARROT • TWO LOCATIONS IN TORONTO The Big Carrot is a natural food market that has been committed to local, organic, non-GMO, and sustainable food systems since 1983. They are a one-stop shop offering produce, grocery, bulk, body care and a wholistic dispensary.

Their juice bar and kitchen serve up hundreds of healthy dishes and drinks, daily. Building community is at the core of their vision which they deliver through education, outreach, and giving. This is a true community hub for healthy living.

Visit their Danforth Community Market at 348 Danforth Ave. (Chester subway), and their new Beach Community Market at 125 Southwood Drive (Kingston Road and Main Street).

For more information call (416) 466-2129, or visit www.thebigcarrot.ca, email info@thebigcarrot.ca Join them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

ORGANIC GARAGE • TORONTO, OAKVILLE, THORNHILL: Organic Garage is a Canadian organic and all natural grocery store committed to offering a full selection of top quality organic, all natural, vegan and allergy-friendly products at the best prices possible so customers can enjoy Healthier Food For Less! Organic Garage carries 100% Certified Organic produce, quality artisan meats, grab and go options, sustainable sushi (some locations), vegan baked goods, and so much more.

Now with four locations – In Toronto: 42 Hanna Ave. and 43 Junction Rd.; In Oakville: 579 Kerr St.; In Thornhill: 8020 Bathurst St. For online delivery and to sign up for their bi-weekly flyer, visit www.organicgarage.com Follow them on Instagram, Twitter, or FB.

MANOTAS ORGANIC AND LATIN FOODS • TORONTO: For the past 20 years, Nancy Manotas’ commitment to organics has involved carefully sourcing ingredients from producers who support organic agriculture.

Located in the St. Lawrence Market, Manotas Organic and Latin Foods offers a range of natural products including organic Arepas, Empanadas (Vegan, Beef, Chicken), Spanish Stews, Soups, and extracts. Manotas is also famous for creating the “Best Guacamole in Toronto”, as well as salsas, rices, salads, tapas, and hummus.

Open Tuesday to Saturday, 9 am – 5 pm. The St. Lawrence Market is located at, 91 Front St. East, Tel: (416) 523-3577. Website: visit www.manotasfoods.com; Instagram: manotaslatinfoods

FIESTA FARMS & GARDEN CENTRE • TORONTO: Nice, niche nourishment in an unpretentious shopping experience, Fiesta is a 30-year-old comprehensive grocery store with multicultural roots. We source local, sustainable, organic ingredients, produce, raw, real and prepared fare from a preponderance of hyper-local (GTA), local (Southern Ontario), and regional entrepreneurs.

When organic first became a thing, we didn’t segregate it in a section for only those wearing Birkenstocks – we integrated it throughout the store. Today, organic is the new conventional, and honestly, so are Birkenstocks. Order ahead or stop in and browse the garden centre as well.

Fiesta Farms is located at 200 Christie St., just north of Bloor Street. Call (416) 537-1235 www.fiestafarms.ca

NATURE’S EMPORIUM • BURLINGTON, NEWMARKET, MAPLE & WOODBRIDGE (Now Open): Established in 1993 with the goal of nourishing a healthy, natural lifestyle, Nature’s Emporium continues that tradition today at their locations in Newmarket, Vaughan, and Burlington! Their all-organic fresh produce department highlights local producers year-round. Explore a diverse selection of natural and organic gluten-free, grocery, and green living accessories. Discover whole body care and a vitamin and supplement dispensary supported by on-staff nutritionists, naturopaths. Don’t miss their juice bar, raw food bar, and bistro for inspired living foods prepared fresh daily.

Offering four great locations: 16655 Yonge St., Newmarket, (905) 898-1844; 2535 Major Mackenzie Dr. W., Vaughan, call (905) 553-5527; 2180 Itabashi Way, Burlington, (289) 427-5075; 8401 Weston Rd., Woodbridge, (365) 527-2466. www.naturesemporium.com

THE APPLE MARKET • MISSISSAUGA: The Apple Market has been a family-owned and operated business for over 45 years in Mississauga. They offer fresh local organic fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and groceries. They also offer natural meats, chicken, and wild Ocean Wise fish, along with organic selections when available. The in-store bakery provides organic and gluten-free products, and a Health and Wellness Centre, which carries a complete line of popular and professional supplements.

Located at 2281 Camilla Road, just off The Queensway, 2 lights E. of Hurontario. www.theapplemarket.ca or call (905) 848-4840.

PLANT PARADISE COUNTRY GARDENS • CALEDON, ONT.: This is an award winning organic perennial nursery, botanical garden and destination garden centre in Caledon, Ontario. We have been growing and selling hardy, unique, and hard-to-find perennials organically for over 15 years. We are always trialing and testing them in the 24 acres of botanical gardens at Plant Paradise Country Gardens. Our growing practices benefit the whole environment, including the pollinators and beneficial insects.

Plant sales and organic gardening supplies can be ordered online and picked up by appointment only. For more information visit: https://www.plantparadisecountrygardens.ca/ or call (905) 880-9090

URBAN HARVEST ORGANIC SEEDS & PLANTS AT THE BEE SHOP
Urban Harvest is a local company dedicated to providing customers with certified organic seeds, seedlings, and garden supplies that promote ecological diversity and preserve the health of our planet. Everything they sell is 100% certified organic.

They specialize in heirloom seeds for 400 varieties of open-pollinated vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Their organic and heirloom varieties are specially chosen for their unique qualities for both urban gardens and market gardeners. All of their seedlings are grown in or near the GTA. Visit them online at: www.uharvest.ca or call (416) 523-2236.

Urban Harvest currently has a garden centre set up at The Bee Shop until the end of June. There you can buy plants (vegetables and herbs) as well as seeds. Not to mention the wonderful raw honey and honey products offered by the Bee Shop. Proprietor and principal beekeeper Oliver Couto is a member of the Toronto Beekeepers Collective and one of the instructors of the introductory beekeeping course at the Toronto Botanical Garden and the Kortright Center.
The Bee Shop and its Urban Harvest centre are located at: 1340 Bloor St. West, Toronto, Ontario. Tel: (416) 533-2337, or visit: https://thebeeshop.net/

SEEDS OF DIVERSITY: Seeds of Diversity Canada is a national grassroots network of more than 1,400 volunteer gardeners who grow heritage varieties and share seeds with one another. They offer an online resource list of seed companies that sell heritage seeds, a searchable inventory of all vegetable seeds sold in Canada, a booklet to help you learn the simple techniques of saving your own seeds, and members receive Seeds of Diversity magazine, as well as the Annual Seed Exchange Directory. This is a registered charity that takes tax-receiptable donations.

Located at 1-12 Dupont St W., Waterloo, Ont. Call (226) 600-7782, email: mail@seeds.ca, see www.seeds.ca

CANADIAN ORGANIC GROWERS (COG) A non-profit charity for over 40 years, COG helps farmers, gardeners, and consumers transition to and learn about organic growing and eating. COG also does important work with the federal government and its agencies to ensure better support for – and awareness of – Canada’s organic industry.

Donating to or volunteering for COG gives it the clout to support consumers and growers of organic food. COG chapters present speakers and panel discussions, promote organics at public events, and plan farm trips. Participants in the Toronto chapter of COG can help the area’s organic movement, learn about organic issues, find sources of organic food, improve people’s health, and care for the environment.

Visit: www.cog.ca or www.cogtoronto.org, send an email to torontochapter@cog.ca or call (647) 367-7706.

MAKE A FLYER FOR FREE:  https://www.adobe.com/express/create/flyer

The Organic Council of Ontario (OCO) is the Voice for Organics in Ontario. We represent over 1,300 certified organic operators across the value chain, as well as the businesses, organizations, and individuals that help bring food from farm to plate.

We work to catalyze sector growth, support research, improve training, increase data collection, encourage market development, protect the integrity of organic claims, and inform the public of the benefits and requirements of organic agriculture. Never has the importance of local, organic food been more evident than during this pandemic.

Support the development of Ontario’s organic sector by becoming an OCO member, and check out our Organic Directory to connect with organic businesses in your area. www.organiccouncil.ca

If you have an organic item to include in this guide, please contact: editorial@vitalitymagazine.com