The Guelph Centre for Urban Organic Farming at the University of Guelph is a fascinating project combining the university’s strength in food and agriculture, local food supply chains, student learning and research, student activism, and community engagement. Mike Smith, the centre’s farm coordinator, talks with us about the activities of the Guelph Centre for Urban Organic Farming.

University of Guelph is known as Canada’s Food University and it began its existence as the Ontario Agricultural College. Students can also get a certificate in organic agriculture through the university. So, it is fitting to have the Guelph Centre for Urban Organic Farming here to help in learning and research. The centre is run through the Department of Plant Agriculture within the Ontario Agricultural College and is located within the University of Guelph Arboretum. The centre also connects to Hospitality Services at the university, to the SEED, to the student food bank, and other local partners.

Students voted in a 2019 referendum to provide $1 per student per term for 10 years to support the activities of the centre, through the Central Students Association. That funding plus support from the Department of Plant Agriculture, Ontario Agricultural College, finances the current activities of the centre. Mike Smith, the farm coordinator, summer student employees, and volunteers deliver farm activities.

Student and community volunteers are an important part of centre activities and are welcome to help with seasonal activities including planting, weeding, and harvest.

More Information:

https://www.uoguelph.ca/oac/gcuof

https://csaonline.ca/elections/archive/W19-general

https://www.uoguelph.ca/oac/guelph-centre-urban-organic-farming/volunteers