Annual Deadline: 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 the following organic farming enterprises: field crops, tree fruits, plant & tree nurseries, medicinal and culinary herbs, hops, willow propagation for land remediation, livestock, pasture & hay, garlic.
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 2022, a few small fields of 5 acres or less, and ¼ acre sections are available for rent.
Applications are accepted year round, however applications for land for the upcoming spring will not be accepted after January 20. Applications received between February and June 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:
- 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 & seed keeper work
- Forest gardens, alley cropping, silvopasture or permaculture projects; plant nurseries
- Christmas tree farm
- Farmer utilizing draft power (oxen or horse) who could demonstrate, and provide custom draft work for others
- Teaching plots
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.