Volunteering with the Ontario Farmland Trust offers an excellent opportunity for people who are passionate about local food and agriculture to make a difference.
At Ontario Farmland Trust (OFT), our volunteers are key to our success of farmland protection efforts in Ontario. The passion, commitment, and expertise they share provide the foundation for OFT’s work and allow us to grow the impact of our work on-the-ground in communities across the province.
Joining our team of volunteers is a great opportunity to share your passion while developing new skills and experiences, connecting with your local communities, and endless networking opportunities!
OFT has a wide range of volunteer opportunities available for a variety of skills and interests. Interested individuals have free range to work in one role or participate in multiple to see what fits best.
If you are interested in volunteering with the Ontario Farmland Trust, please fill out our Volunteer Interest Form. Volunteering is open to those based in Ontario.
Please note: Due to the amazing response to our request for volunteers in 2024, there is currently a delay in our replies to new interested individuals. We endeavour to review applications in a reasonable time, and will reach out to you as volunteer opportunities become available. Thank you for your patience.
Volunteer opportunities include:
Education and Community Engagement Volunteers
The Education and Community Engagement Volunteers are OFT ambassadors, supporting our programming and spreading awareness on farmland protection. These volunteers interact and engage with the public at outreach events, assist with OFT led events such as online webinars and our annual forum, and/or assist with creating educational materials for print and online.
Communications Volunteers
Communications Volunteers help to amplify the OFT’s messages, campaigns and calls to action. They assist OFT’s communications coordinator on the back end with ensuring the organization has impactful content and imagery for use on a variety of platforms such as social media, blog posts, and more.
Farmland Stewardship and Monitoring Volunteers
Land Stewardship and Monitoring Volunteers will assist in conducting annual monitoring visits to our easement properties to ensure the easement conditions are being upheld. Volunteer opportunities are limited; priority will be given to those interested in multi year involvement with OFT.
Policy and Research Volunteers
Policy and Research Volunteers assist with OFT policy engagement and advocacy at the provincial level. They conduct or assist with research and resource compilation on related topics, including writing blogs and helping create advocacy materials.
Board of Directors and Board Committees (Policy & Education, Land Securement & Stewardship)
OFT’s Board of Directors and Committee Volunteers supervise the management of OFT’s activities, including governance, budget planning, strategic planning, and providing direction for OFT’s programs.
If you have any questions about volunteering with the Ontario Farmland Trust or need any support with the application form, please contact us.
Thank you to the Gosling Foundation for supporting the development of our volunteer program.