Small Plot Agriculture Farm Rentals
Annual Deadline: January 15 – 2025 DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MONDAY JANUARY 20!
A diversity of agricultural enterprises located on the Ignatius Jesuit Centre lands has demonstrated synergies for all involved. Ignatius Farm tenants crop varying acreages, and have included organic farming enterprise such as field crops, tree fruits, plant & tree nurseries, medicinal and culinary herbs, hops, willow propagation for land remediation, livestock, pasture & hay, garlic, floriculture.
As croplands become available for lease, a Request for Proposals (RFP) is opened.
The RFP seeks entrepreneurial individuals, groups, or organizations to rent available acreages to implement complementary ecological or regenerative agriculture projects at the Ignatius Jesuit Centre.
The Ignatius Jesuit Centre (IJC) aspires to be an equitable and inclusive place where a diversity of life experiences, identities and perspectives work together. IJC encourages applicants from all walks of life, especially those from communities that have been historically excluded from farming or access to farmland.
For 2025, proposals will be accepted for rental of the farmhouse, adjacent barn and pasture, field parcels of 6 acres or less, and 1/4 acre sections with water access.
Applications are accepted year round, however applications for land for the upcoming spring must be received by January 15. Applications received thereafter will be assessed over the summer.
Proposals of interest
Proposals are invited for enterprises, research, education, and service projects in ecological/regenerative agriculture, (re-)indigenization work, food security. Any complementary proposal is welcome. Examples include:
- Family or organization seeking farmhouse and adjacent barn and pasture rental invested in the health of the land
- Food, fiber crops or livestock to be marketed in part to existing Ignatius Farm community and clients
- Small herd livestock; may supply manures, composts, and/or rotational grazing with complementary enterprises
- Draft power farmer (oxen/horse) who could demonstrate and provide custom draft work
- Seed-saving, breeding & seed keeper work
- Forest gardens, alley cropping, silvopasture, permaculture projects
- Plant nurseries
- Willow collective to care for and utilize the diverse willow plantation for community benefit
Organic certification is optional; following the Canadian Organic Standard is required. Proposals must embed long-term soil care and water protection.
Review the RFP in full and reach out with questions or to identify your intention to submit a proposal.
If your business is new or small enough to start within a Community Garden plot between 100 to 2000 sq. ft., reach out to identify the best fit.
Direct all acreage rental inquiries to the Farm Manager – farmmanager(at)ignatiusguelph.ca
519.824.1250 ext 243.
With support from:
