Farmers Directory Part Two
Moving on with our journey, we visited eight more farmers this month. It is vitally important for us to help connect people and foster collaboration between farmers, chefs and the community.
Buying local is easier than you think. All of these farms are a short drive from London. For the purpose of the Forest City Cookbook, "local" has been defined as grown or produced within a 100 km radius of London, Ontario. If driving is not possible, most of these farmers sell at the Covent Garden Outdoors Market and Western Fair Market on the weekends.
Alternatively, you could also choose to sign-up for a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) membership. By signing up for a CSA, you bring the Farmers to YOU! You get field-fresh fruit and vegetables straight from the garden, hand-picked on the day you receive it. CSA farms offer fresher, healthier alternatives than produce loaded with chemicals, picked too early, ripened in crates, delivering fewer nutrients, and shipped for thousands of kilometres before making it to your plate.
Three Ridges Ecological Farm
Family owned and operated by Drake Larsen and Sarah Hargreave since 2015. They raise chicken, ducks, pork, eggs and beef on 50 acres of land without pesticides or herbicides, being ecologically responsible and applying principles of permaculture. Their goal is to have a sacred sustainable space for growing nutrient-dense, flavourful, and environmentally conscious food for their family and yours.
Located in Aylmer, 45 minutes south of London.
Website: threeridges.farm
Sungold Organics
Operating for the first year in less than an acre, Andrew and Paige grow vegetables following bio-intensive, ecological principles. Fresh tomatoes, greens, carrots, beets, herbs and more. All beautiful, delicious and nutrient-dense ingredients.
Located in Mount Brydges, 28 min west of London. Find them at the Covent Garden Outdoor Market every Thursday and Saturday morning.
Website: sungoldorganics.ca
Great Lakes Apples
Established in the 1950s by MaryAnne's grandparents. Currently, family-owned and operated by MaryAnne and her husband, Joe. They grow many varieties of apples, peaches, pears and pumpkins, also prepare homemade apple pie and treats during the season. You can pick your own or buy from their store. They also have kids' activities and a small cafe at the farm.
Located in Port Stanley, 40 minutes south of London.
Website: greatlakesfarms.ca
Ira Stoll Farm (H.O.P.E Eco Market)
Certified organic. Part of the Amish community near Aylmer, Ira and his family rely on traditional farming methods. They avoid electricity and many other modern technologies, so everything is planted and harvested by hand and horsepower. Their farm and lifestyle are as intact as it was centuries ago, so their vegetables and fruits as nutritious and free of chemicals as they should always be.
Located in Aylmer, 45 min south of London.
Contact: 519-765-1031 ext.1
Little Field Farm
Operated by Claire Poulton, she grows pastured raised chicken, turkey and more than 40 varieties of vegetables for her CSA members. Working and learning from different farms over the past 10 years, Claire decided to start her own operation in 2015, and it's been growing successfully ever since.
Located near Drumbo, 50 minutes northeast of London. Find her at Rebirth Wellness Centre every Friday, distributing fresh vegetables to her CSA members.
Website: littlefieldsfarm.org
Sleger’s Greens
Certified Organic. Established in 1987 by Jo and Pauline Slegers. They started with only Boston Lettuce, and now they have over 30 varieties of greens, microgreens and herbs. Grown year-round inside their greenhouses, they are all Organic, Local and Living!
Located in Strathroy, 40 min west of London. Find them at the Covent Garden market and many more establishments around town.
Website: slegersgreens.com
Wildflowers Farm Honey
Unpasteurized. The Wildflowers Farm is owned and operated by Chuck and Jane Magri. Chuck is dedicated to his growing hives and Jane to herbalism and yoga, together, the best team. Educating and bringing the community together around flowers and bees.
Located in St Thomas, 35 minutes South of London.
Website: wildflowerstea.com
Little Sisters Chicken
Owned and operated by Tony, Mandy and their daughters since 2015. They specialize in pasture-raised chickens with access to the outdoors all day. Their feed includes different vegetation such as clover, spinach and alfalfa and a Non-GMO feed mix. They sell whole chickens, by piece and specialty sausages.
Located in Parkhill, 50 min northwest of London. Also found in Chris Country Cut at the Covent Garden Market and The Village Meat Shop at the Western Fair Farmers Market.
Website: littlesisterschicken.com