The Ontario Farmland Trust (OFT), in collaboration with Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA), is delivering a two-year project focused on improving soil health and protecting water quality across the Great Lakes Basin. Supported through the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness’s 2025–2027 Canada-Ontario Agreement and Lake Simcoe Program, this work brings practical, on-farm Best Management Practices (BMPs) to the forefront.
With additional partners, including the Huronview Demonstration Farm and the Huron County Soil and Crop Improvement Association, the project integrates environmental monitoring, farmer engagement, and applied research. It builds on the proven BMP demonstrations at Huronview and expands this work to new field sites on OFT’s first-ever donated farm, the Bourgeois Farm, creating hands-on learning opportunities that help farmers adopt practices that benefit both their land and local watersheds. Located on a farm along the Little Sauble River before it flows into Inverhuron Provincial Park and Lake Huron, the Bourgeois Farm presents a unique opportunity to pilot innovative BMP demonstration plots.
The BMP demonstrations will be co-developed with local farmers and technical experts to ensure they are practical, scalable, and effective in reducing nutrient runoff. Ongoing soil and water monitoring will provide robust data on the effectiveness of each BMP.
Beyond on-the-ground improvements, the project will feature a comprehensive education and outreach strategy. Field days, peer-to-peer learning events, and new educational materials will help reduce adoption barriers and support BMP uptake across Bruce, Huron, and surrounding counties.
By fostering farmer-led innovation and collaboration, this initiative supports OMAFA’s provincial goals to reduce nutrient loading, promote BMP adoption, and build the resilience of Ontario’s farmland and freshwater ecosystems. By demonstrating how agricultural and environmental goals can be aligned, the project offers a powerful example of farmland stewardship in action.
How Can I Participate?
Are you a farmer in the Grey Bruce region? We want to hear from you!
- Complete our survey to share your agricultural challenges and what you’d like to see trialed on the demonstration plots.
- Reach out to our Project Manager, Chelsea, at [email protected] if you have questions, inquiries, and/or are interested in getting involved.
Other initiatives happening on the Bourgeois Farm
Beyond the Farmland Access Program, we have a variety of on-farm initiatives including community gatherings and educational workshops, occurring at the Bourgeois Property. Stay up to date with our latest initiatives by following us on Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, or sign up to receive our monthly e-newsletter.
Community Garden Plots
Part of the farm property is also dedicated to the Bourgeois Community Garden Plots. Community members are invited to sign up and access community garden plots situated at the farm. Available plot sizes are 20×20 ft and 10×10 ft.
If you would like to learn more about our community garden plots, and/or sign-up to participate, please contact Ben at [email protected]
Farmland Access Program
Ontario’s next generation of farmers are facing a growing land access crisis. Soaring land prices, short-term lease agreements, widening succession gaps, and competition from non-farm development are creating significant barriers for new and aspiring farmers seeking farmland.
The Ontario Farmland Trust’s Farmland Access Program bridges this gap by permanently protecting farmland and creating secure, affordable pathways for farmers to access land and build viable farm businesses.