Martin Straathof (he/they)
Executive Director
Martin is the Executive Director of the Ontario Farmland Trust. Martin grew up on a dairy farm in Renfrew County, fostering a lifelong connection to agriculture and rural communities. He holds a Bachelor’s degree with an area of emphasis on Agricultural Development and a Master of Science in Rural Planning and Development from the University of Guelph, where his research focused on development-supported agriculture as an innovative approach to balancing farmland preservation and community development. As a candidate member of the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI), Martin brings expertise in agricultural planning, policy, and sustainable development. With a background spanning agriculture, non-profit leadership, and rural planning, Martin is a steadfast advocate for sustainable agriculture and farmland protection, ensuring that agricultural spaces remain viable and vibrant for generations to come.
Joel Enman
Farmland Conservation Specialist
Joel Enman is the Farmland Conservation Specialist at the Ontario Farmland Trust. With a B.Sc. (Hons) in Zoology from the University of Guelph and a Master of Environment and Sustainability from the University of Western Ontario, Joel brings extensive experience in animal care, land conservation, agriculture, and environmental monitoring across both public and private sectors. He is dedicated to protecting and preserving farmland not only as a food-producing landscape but also as an important habitat for wildlife, including many species at risk. Outside of work, Joel enjoys hiking, camping, kayaking, and gardening. Joel is committed to advancing the protection of agricultural land across Ontario, ensuring its resilience using his experience in conservation, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.
Rachel Hopf
Resource Development Manager
Rachel Hopf is the Resource Development Manager at the Ontario Farmland Trust. She received her BA in Sociology from the University of Guelph and since then has worked in the charitable sector spanning roles in administration, fund development, event coordination, volunteer management, marketing, and community engagement. Rachel grew up in the countryside spending time in the woods, fishing, camping, and in 4H. She enjoys gardening, hiking, and volunteering at a folk music festival. Rachel is keen to use her experience to make a difference in supporting OFT’s mission to protect farmland for future generations.
Teresa Trinh
Communications and Community Engagement Coordinator
Teresa is the Communications and Community Engagement Coordinator at the Ontario Farmland Trust. She brings with her a B.Sc. in Environmental Science from the University of British Columbia, a deeply rooted connection to nature, and a wide range of experiences working in the non-profit sector. From conservation work to connecting inner city youth with the outdoors through multi-day backcountry trips, to working in a variety of small-scale vegetable farms in BC and Ontario, her curiosity about our natural world and her passion for reminding people of their interconnectedness to nature continue to inform and inspire her work. She enjoys camping, live music, noodle soups, and all things that get her outside. She’s excited about illuminating OFT’s mission through engaging communications and events to help build a strong and engaged community of farmland protection supporters.
Dean Orr
Student Intern
Dean Orr, is a full time farmer from King City, Ontario, producing organic and conventional grains, pasture-raised poultry, and maple syrup. Dean is an advocate for responsible land use planning and farmland protection. He has published articles in the Ontario Farmer, delegated to numerous GTA municipal councils, and contributed as expert witness to the recent soil health report prepared by the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry. He is currently working towards his MSc in Rural Planning and Development at University of Guelph.
Ben Tobias-Murray
Student Intern
Ben is a Graduate student at the University of Guelph, pursuing an MSc in Rural Planning and Development and completing a Major Research Paper on the Economic Access of Farming for First Time/Non-succession farmers. Ben has an Undergraduate Degree in History from the University of Western Ontario. Growing up in Dundas, Ontario, Ben has spent time working within the agriculture industry which has included working on a family-owned apple orchard, as well as spending four years in the Turf Grass Maintenance Industry. Outside of work, Ben enjoys cooking, eating, golfing, playing music, traveling, as well as spending time with friends and family.
Anna Drake
Student Intern
Anna is currently pursuing her MSc in Rural Planning and Development at the University of Guelph. For her Major Research Paper, she is examining the direct and indirect costs of farmland loss and exploring methods to quantify these costs. Growing up in Perth County, Anna gained a deep appreciation for agriculture through hands-on experience on local hobby farms and cash crop operations. These experiences gave her valuable insights into the economic and environmental significance of farmland. Anna is passionate about farmland conservation and promoting sustainable land-use practices. She is excited for the opportunity to work with Ontario Farmland Trust and contribute to initiatives that support the long-term viability of Ontario’s farmland and rural communities