Roots Farm & Retreat

Hello there! We are the Roots Farm & Retreat family!

We offer land rentals to BIPOC, 2SLGBTQ+, and women assisting them in getting their start into farming

Who are we?

Our mission

Roots Farm and Retreat is a nonprofit and a cooperative serving as an agricultural incubator for new farmers from the marginalized communities of Ontario and Quebec. We assist them in  getting their start into the farming and agri-food sectors with land rentals ranging from 5 to 10 years with the ultimate goal of purchasing their own land.

Our story

A few years ago we made a small investment into a farm which forever changed our lives. The joy of working the land while breathing in the fresh air seeded a dream to share these benefits with so many others that were stuck in the city with all its mental hardships. Thus, in 2022, we purchased a 75 acre plot outside of Cornwall, Ontario(between Ottawa and Montreal) to welcome underrepresented farmers.

Our community

BIPOC, 2SLGBTQ+ and female farmers are under-represented and meet increased barriers when participating in agriculture. Our founders and board members are part of those communities so we strive extra hard to support them exclusively by offering land, equipment, infrastructure, business and agricultural access at a low cost in a sector which is comprised of a demographically homogeneous population.

As francophones, we also strive to offer all our services in french to serve that minority in Ontario.

Our partners

  • https://www.reseauracines.ca/fr/

    Réseau Racines

    Le Réseau Racines est le seul réseau québécois des incubateurs d'entreprises agricoles. Actuellement coordonné par le Centre d'innovation sociale en agriculture (CISA) du Cégep de Victoriaville et accompagné par le Centre d'étude en responsabilité sociale et écocitoyenneté (CÉRSÉ), le réseau a été mis sur pied en 2022 et officiellement enregistré en tant qu'organisme à but non lucratif (OBNL) en 2023

  • La Cité College

    La Cité is a francophone college in Ottawa with rich agricultural programs. They are happy to promote our project to give their students a chance to start their career right after graduation

  • Farm Management & Technology

    The Farm Management and Technology program develops students' professional competencies needed to operate and manage a modern agricultural enterprise. The program is helping us offer students the opportunity to jump start their farming careers

  • Sol-Air Consultants inc.

    SOL-AIR Consultants brings together expert consultants who support decision-makers in companies, cooperatives, organizations, communities or administrations involved in the development of the agri-food sector. They are partners providing pro bono agricultural and business support to our famers to help them succeed

  • Fair Finance Fund

    The Fair Finance Fund is a social finance fund for Ontario’s local food and farm sector. The Fund supports local food and farm social enterprises in accessing the capital and mentorship they need to grow and thrive just like Roots. They will also help the planning and financing of the new farmers

  • Eastern Ontario Agri-Food Network

    The Eastern Ontario Agri-Food Network (EOAN) is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to supporting the development, growth and sustainability of local food and agriculture initiatives in Eastern Ontario. The EOAN is a key partner that help Roots with the marketing and outreach of our new farmers

“Cultivating culture and community.”

— Roots Farm & Retreat