Newsbites Archive

Healthy Diets for World Food Day

It’s World Food Day, and this year’s theme—Healthy Diets for a #ZeroHunger World—reminds us of the complexity of the task in front of us. A Healthy Diet demands “sufficient, safe, nutritious and diverse foods”, but also fresh, locally produced foods—foods that support farm families, and enable them to produce food for their communities in a manner that regenerates biodiversity, soil and water.

Seek out these farms on your regional Buy Local Food Guide, because Healthy Diets aren’t just healthy for today, they are healthy for generations, and they enable the farmers who supply the food to build viable, stable enterprises, and supply healthy diets for generations. As we discussed in our Bring Food Home event last week, ‘sustainable diets’ must include the long-term health of the ecology, community, farmer and eater, which is why our conversation about “good food” must go beyond the essential components of nutrition, accessibility, affordability and cultural relevance. 

The UN World Food Day backgrounder concludes “nutritious foods that constitute a healthy diet are not available or affordable for many people”. That is the case in our local communities as well. Healthy Diets for a #ZeroHunger World asks us to take concrete actions that encourage transformation toward a food system where healthy, nutritious diets and universal access are accepted as the basic standards by which our communities are measured, standards that brook no exceptions. Take action! 

http://www.fao.org/world-food-day/take-action/en/

Nov 12 | WORKSHOP How to Start a Community Garden

Join us on Nov 12 and learn about the steps involved in starting a community garden. How to search for land, what is essential when starting a community garden, the supports that are available, tips for organizing the garden, and much more!

The attendance of at least one garden coordinator at a How to Start a Community Garden workshop is a requirement in order to receive funding through the Community Garden Development Fund.  The coordinator must have attended a workshop in one of the past 3 years.

Registration is required as space is limited.
When: Tuesday, November 12, 2019 from 6:00pm-8:00pm
Where: Just Food Farm in the Big Red Barn | 2391 Pépin Court
RSVP: Email communitygardening@justfood.ca
*on RSVP please identify the general area where you plan to set up a community garden, and summarize your work to date, if applicable.

Absolutely Beautiful and Rare Organic Farm For Sale

95 Acre Beautiful Organic Farm with Mature Forest For Sale

32 years of organic farmland and white pine forest, close to Ottawa.

Shovel-ready! Get ready to farm for your 2020 season! A rare find, top-notch organic 95.3-acre property with a 5-bedroom, 1344 square ft bungalow house, 1 1/2 baths, wood stove and new furnace, 2-car garage, gorgeous 40-ft hardwood beam century barn with hydro and water, two barns in one measures 2900 square ft.; 65 acres well-maintained farmland with Grenville loam soil, 14 tree-lined fields, 22 acres of 30-year-old mature white pine plantation. Possibility to include a 12-head tame cattle herd trained to the land as part of the sale – they are the best-trained cattle you can find! Farming equipments purchase can be considered.

On the edge of and only 25 minutes to Ottawa, in Crysler, Ontario.

For 32 years, the Kelly Farm has been managing the land organically, with diverse livestock, including cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens, turkeys, etc. The seeds and feed were purchased from Homestead Organics, and the 65-acre fields were maintained and rotated exceptionally well and used for pasture and hay. Beautiful Grenville loam soil all over rich in organic matters, these fields are ready for diversified farming of all kinds. There are many possibilities of organic farming and permaculture – vegetables, perennials, chickens, poultry, seed production, orchard… The farm is confirmed pesticide and herbicide free since 1987, and probably before that! All the records are well-kept, and the farm could be certified organic shortly.

One highlight is the 22-acre of 30-year-old white pine forest, both tranquil and full of potentials! There are also many productive fruit trees – wild apples, butternuts, berries, and more! A rare find in this area, the land and forest as a healthy ecosystem provides numerous possible uses, as apiary, food forest, silvopasture, agroforestry, retreat, for mushrooms, woodland plants, and more!

Testimony from the farmer:

“I have farmed the land at N1/2 Lot 5 Con 10 N Stormont for 32 yrs using approved organic methods. To fertilizer the fields, I used the manure from my animals, beef cows, sheep, pigs, layer hens, and meat chickens. My animals had free access to shelter and the outdoors. My fields are tree-lined. I bought seed for crops and hay from Homestead Organic Mill, Berwick Ont. I bought feed for my animals and chickens from this same mill. After Homestead Organic Mill closed, I bought certified organic grain from the feed store in Finch and Metcalfe.” Larry Kelly

Ideally, the current owners are looking for a buyer who fully appreciates the rarity and value of this chemical-free land and the value of the forests. The owners wish to sell to another farm family who is interested in keeping the farm in organic production. The owners are very willing to train and pass on their knowledge, including keeping the cattles so their herd can stay on the land.

Location

14390 Concession Rd 10 & 11, Chrysler, ON K0A 1R0

The farm is 5 minutes to Crysler, an active bilingual community, with elementary schools, public library, community centre, and churches. It is 15 minutes to Embrun and Casselman, larger towns with grocery stores, department stores, gyms, and highschools. 25 minutes will bring you into Ottawa. Close to Highway 417, which connects Ottawa and Montreal, which makes the farm location ideal for agrotourism. The farm is 5 minutes away to Cannamore Orchard, and 10 minutes away to St. Albert Cheese Co-op, two of the most popular agrotourism destinations in the area.

The property has:

• Primary residence: 1344 square ft 1975 bungalow, measures 28’x48′, with three bedrooms on the main floor and two bedrooms in the basement. Basement unfinished with 2 finished bedrooms. 1 1/2 baths. All appliances included. Woodstove on the main floor, and backup new propane furnace (January 2019). Two drilled wells with very good water – never dry.
• Garage: two car 728 square ft detached garage. 
• Barn: the barn is an older framed one, with 40-ft hardwood beams, used for hay storage and shelter for the animals. It is 2 barns in one, measures 50’x30′ and 36’x39′. Has hydro and water.
• 14 fields, totaling 65 acres, are tree-lined, rich with well-maintained Granville loam and organic matter, ready for diversified farming of all kinds;
• 22-acre 30 year-old pine plantation and walkable forest;
• 12 head cattle herd is an option as part of sale (6 shorthorn adults, + 6 yearlings + 1 calf all with some Shorthorn and/or Speckled Park)
• Some equipment may also be an option to be part of sale.

Business and income possibilities

• Organic commercial market garden
• Organic cattle, sheep, chickens, other poultry, pigs, and other livestock.
• Food forest products – apples, berries, mushroom, herb.
• Forest school.
• Forest retreat. Healing garden.

Price: $799,999*

*+ HST with the following note:

Selling Farmland to a Person Who Is Not Registered for the HST 

If the purchaser of the farmland is not registered for the HST, the seller is required to collect the HST generated by the sale and remit it to the Canada Revenue Agency. If farmland will be used in a farming business, the purchaser can register for the HST and claim an input tax credit in order to recover the HST paid on the purchase of the farmland. Normally, Canada Revenue Agency will backdate a registration for up to 30 days. http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/busdev/facts/11-053.htm

If you have been thinking of buying a farm for organic production, contact us (info@justfood.ca) as this is indeed a rare find. JustFood.ca can support farms in the regions if you need information and/or support to start-up farmers.

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Just Food Fall Events

Just Food News and Events

1. Sept 21 & 22 | Volunteer at the Carlington Community Garden Expansion
2. Sept 15 | A Potluck and Discussion on Food and its Role in Climate Restoration
3. Sept 26 | A Workshop on How to Start a Community Garden
4. Sept 28 | Community Seed Cleaning with the Ottawa Seed Library
5. Oct 10 | Canada’s Food Guide – what does this mean for agriculture? What does it mean for eaters?
6. Oct 19 | CommuniTree Conference

Just Food News and Events

1. Sept 21 & 22 | Volunteer at the Carlington Community Garden Expansion

Join a volunteer run community garden this weekend to help finish their expansion!

SIGN UP TODAY: www.surveymonkey.com/r/9W2BD22

When: This Saturday Sept 21 and Sunday Sept 22
Where: Woodward Avenue and McBride street (closest address is 1548 Woodward Ave).

The garden is available by public transportation (along bus routes 14 and 81), and there is plenty of parking available for those driving.

There will be a wide variety of tasks available for people of all ages, mobilities, and abilities!

Lunch, snack, water, and drinks will be provided for all volunteers.

By helping with the garden build, you can:

Learn how to construct raised bed gardens;
Learn how to plan and carry out your own garden expansion;
Help contribute to food security and improve community health in our city!

2. Sept 15 | A Potluck and Discussion on the Food and its Role in Climate Restoration

Join Just Food and Regeneration Canada on Sept 15 for a potluck and information session, focusing on what is possible and/or already happening in ecosystem and climate restoration through soil care, regenerative farming and positive changes in the food system. A combination of taking an afternoon to celebrate what has been accomplished and to engage attendees in what is possible and how to participate in and support further actions and changes. Local and national agricultural and environmental groups will be participating to share information and updates on projects with attendees and this event is open to the public.

When: Sunday, September 15th, from 11:00 to 2:00
Where: 2391 Pépin Court at the Just Food Farm in the Red Barn

Attendees are invited to visit the on-site farm, it opens at 10:00, product can be stored in a cooler for the duration of the event
Tour of the Just Food Farm available after lunch.
Please bring your own dishes cutlery, cups, no disposable dishes please***
Bring something to share in the potluck or simply join us as a welcomed guest
Parking is available on site and the farm is served by the #94 bus route
The building is accessible, with a wheelchair lift to the second floor event space

https://www.facebook.com/events/1252370484965615/

3. Sept 26 | A Workshop on How to Start a Community Garden

Get ready for the next growing season at the “How to Start a Community Garden” workshop! Learn next steps including; how to search for land, what is essential when starting a community garden, the supports that are available, tips for organizing the garden, and much more!

The attendance of at least one garden coordinator at a How to Start a Community Garden workshop is a requirement in order to receive funding through the Community Garden Development Fund. The coordinator must have attended a workshop in the past 3 years.

Registration is required as space is limited.

When: Thursday, Sept 26 from 6:00 – 8:00
Where: 2391 Pépin Court, at the Just Food Farm in the Red Barn
RSVP: communitygardening@justfood.ca
(please identify the general area where you plan to set up a community garden, and summarize your work to date, if applicable).

4. Sept 28 | Community Seed Cleaning Workshop with the Ottawa Seed Library

This workshop will provide a short demo on how to clean common seeds grown in the Ottawa area. Folks are able to bring their own seed harvests and clean them on their own with support from on-site assistance! Even if you don’t have your own seed to clean, everyone is welcome to attend and learn some of the basic principles.

When: Saturday, Sept 28 from 3:00 – 6:00
Where: 2391 Pépin Court at the Just Food Farm in the Red Barn

RSVP: seeds@justfood.ca

5. Oct 10 | Canada’s Food Guide – what does this mean for agriculture? What does it mean for eaters?

Canada’s Food Guide is one vision of a sustainable diet. It is intended to promote health and wellness through dietary change—leaving unanswered questions of access and food production. How will the new Food Guide shape our food systems, or change where we get our food? And what does this mean for agriculture across our region?

For producers, community organizations, government, eaters. Join us in-person to hear a province-wide panel with conversation, discussion and next-steps following.

Panel includes;

Ron Bonnett (former president of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture)
Dr. June Matthews (Registered Dietitian, Professional Home Economist, Associate Professor, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences Brescia University College)
Moe Garahan (Executive Director, Just Food)

When: Thursday, October 10 from 9:30-12:30
Where: 2391 Pépin Court at the Just Food Farm in the Red Barn

A Bring Food Home 2019 Regional Event
Brought to you by Sustain Ontario in partnership with Just Food and the Algoma Rural Agri-Innovation Network sponsored by Whole Foods Market.

Space is limited, please register for the event here: www.eventbrite.ca/e/bring-food-home-ottawa-2019-tickets-71652240781

6. Oct 19 | CommuniTree Conference

In partnership with Just Food, the Blackburn Hamlet Community Association’s Environment Committee and Tree Team is organizing its first “CommuniTree Conference” on Saturday, October 19th at the Just Food Farm (2391 Pépin Court) in Blackburn Hamlet.

The conference will take place from approximately 9am to 12:30pm and will include:

• various panels
• networking break and a tour of a Community Food Forest.
  
  The conference is an opportunity for community members to;
• share tree-related stories data and projects
• – provide attendees with new ideas, information and resources carry-out tree-related initiatives in their communities.
• If you are interested in promoting stewardship of our urban forest, sharing ideas, meeting community leaders and being part of innovative ways to help our environment, this Conference should not be missed.

The Conference is free to attend, however registration will be required as space is limited.

The registration link will be available by September 9th, on the Blackburn Hamlet Community Association’s website blackburnhamlet.ca.
Any media or other inquiries should be made to treeteam@blackburnhamlet.ca.

This Sunday: Annual Picnic at Just Food Farm

Food and activities for the entire family!

Join us at Just Food Farm for our Annual Picnic this Sunday! We will be hosting a variety of events including; free lunch, wagon rides at 10:15, 11, 11:45, and 12:30; farmers’ market, kids’ activities, field walks, and more. Bring your family and enjoy a day at our farm.

WHEN: Sunday August 25th, 10 am – 2 pm
WHERE: Big Red Barn, 2391 Pépin Court

For more information, contact info@justfood.ca.

Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday for a fun-filled day!