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 Protection and Stewardship Program Manager
Joel Enman is the Farmland Protection and Stewardship Manager 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 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 the land 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 empowered community of farmland protection supporters.
Ben Tobias-Murray
Farmland Access and Agricultural Planning Coordinator
Ben is the Farmland Access and Agricultural Planning Coordinator at Ontario Farmland Trust. With an Honours degree in History from the University of Western Ontario, as well as Master of Science in Rural Planning and Development from the University of Guelph, with a major research paper focused on the economic barriers facing new and non-succession farmers entering the agriculture industry, Ben brings a diverse educational background to his role. Farmland preservation and planning for the future of agriculture is a personal passion for Ben and a relevant topic in Ontario which he hopes he can positively contribute to while working in this position. 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, golfing, playing music, traveling, as well as spending time with friends and family.
Jenna Salvatore
Eastern Ontario Farmland Protection Coordinator
Jenna is the Eastern Ontario Farmland Protection Coordinator at the Ontario Farmland Trust. She holds a B.Sc. and Master’s degree in Environmental Science from the University of Guelph and Toronto Metropolitan University. With over five years of experience in the environmental non-profit sector, Jenna began her career at a nature centre, where she led community stewardship initiatives such as tree plantings, bumblebee identification workshops, and native garden plantings with local community groups. Jenna brings valuable experience in coordinating conservation projects and managing funding programs that support nature-based solutions throughout Ontario, including land securement and restoration. Outside of work, Jenna enjoys running, reading, and exploring the many markets in Prince Edward County, where she currently resides. Jenna is excited to bring her experience and enthusiasm to OFT to help expand farmland protection and identify species at risk and valuable ecosystems on farms across Eastern Ontario.
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 an 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 the University of Guelph.
Chelsea Gowton (she/her)
Demonstration Farm Project Manager
Chelsea Gowton is a plant ecologist and science communicator with a deep interest in the relationships shaping agriculture. She is passionate about protecting the places that feed us and supporting farming communities through science that listens, adapts, and grows in relationship. With an MSc and PhD from the University of British Columbia, her work spans disciplines and scales, unified by a systems-thinking approach to how ecological and social components shape the farm. Her work has taken her to agricultural landscapes in Pennsylvania, Florida, British Columbia, and Ontario. She’s researched beneficial insects, agroecological pest management, soil microbes, carbon sequestration, and invasive plant management. She is also an experienced educator and mentor, with a strong commitment to community building and making ecological knowledge more accessible, collaborative, and actionable.