C.R.A.F.T. Ontario

Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) Ontario
By Alexandra English

As farmland, farmers and farms continue to disappear across Southern Ontario, it
becomes increasingly necessary to look for ways to usher a new generation of farmers
into ecologically and economically sustainable forms of agriculture. CRAFT Ontario
(www.craftontario.ca) is one of the few programs in Canada that provides the much
needed service of training new farmers in organic agriculture through season-long onfarm
internships. This paper introduces CRAFT Ontario, describes some of the
characteristics of participating interns and farmers, and presents findings from a survey
conducted on CRAFT alumni as part of Peter Mitchell’s grant from the Greenbelt
Foundation entitled “Supporting New Farmers”.

CRAFT Ontario
The Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) Ontario was created
in 2002, modeled after existing CRAFT programs in the northeastern US. CRAFT
consists in a group of farmers that run their own individual internship programs, but
strengthen their interns’ educational experience by collaborating on monthly field trips to
the various participating farms. For CRAFT Ontario, these field trips involve a farm tour,
a workshop on some aspect of organic farming, a work-project and a potluck lunch. In
addition to the educational workshops and the exposure to a variety of farming systems,
the value of CRAFT also resides in the strong network created among farmers and
interns. Outside of the 6 monthly “CRAFT-days”, farms vary in the way they conduct
their internships (different pay, some are grant reliant, some include additional formal
educational activities). CRAFT Ontario has been continuously growing, from 7 farms and
23 interns in 2002 to 13 farms and 45 interns in 2006. During its 5 seasons CRAFT has
trained approximately 150 interns (English, 2006).

CRAFT Interns
The majority of CRAFT interns are white women, in their early-to-mid 20s. They are
predominantly from non-farming backgrounds and have grown up in urban settings. For
the most part, they are from Ontario. Most interns have completed or are pursuing a
higher education degree, primarily through universities. Most have graduated within five
years prior to participating in CRAFT. Studies have largely been in the liberal
arts/humanities and in the environmental sciences, and are only rarely in the agricultural
sciences. Over half of these interns are coming with some previous experience working
on farms, though rarely for an entire growing season. Many of the CRAFT farmers
describe interns’ motivation to follow an internship as socially or environmentally
motivated. As internships do not allow interns to save any considerable amount of
money, the program does cater to individuals with some financial security. Increasingly,
interns are showing interest in staying on with CRAFT for a second or even third season
(English, 2006).

CRAFT Farmers
Similarly to interns, most CRAFT farmers are from non-farming backgrounds, coming to
farming for a variety of reasons, including social, environmental and lifestyle
motivations. The majority of CRAFT farmers also pursued a university degree in a nonagricultural
field, and only came to farming after their studies. While the oldest farms
(over 20 years) can be described as traditional family farms, the more recently established
farms (under 11 years) take on various structures: business partners, single women or
single men with non-farming partners, or salaried positions within education centers.
In 2006, 8 of the 13 participating CRAFT have been running their farm for 5 to 11 years.
Similarly to other practical non-formal North American programs in sustainable farming,
most CRAFT farms tend to specialize in market garden production. In 2006, 10 of the 13
CRAFT farms are Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms (which only represent
1.6% of organic farms in Ontario [Macey, 2006]). Also, 7 of the 13 CRAFT farms in
2006 include some kind of livestock enterprise. CRAFT farmers are motivated by the
desire to train new farmers and by the need to have committed and effective employees.
CRAFT farmers ideally seek out individuals that are seriously interested in farming as
their future career (English, 2006).

CRAFT Alumni: Survey Findings
An internet survey was sent out to 95 CRAFT interns (63% of total interns) in February
2007, to which 56 responded (59% response rate). The survey included a total of 38
questions, containing a mixture of closed-ended and open-ended questions. Most of the
closed-ended questions were analyzed by the survey computer service
(www.surveymmonkey.ca) while the open-ended questions were organized into
categories identified by the author. Percentages refer to the proportion of respondents that
provided a particular answer (note that respondents would often give more than one
answer). Appendix A presents the complete findings from the survey. Below are some of
the highlights.

Looking Back:
- Retrospectively, most alumni feel like they would have liked to learn more in the
areas of garden and business planning.
- Alumni found their internship was most helpful for building a network of farmers
and interns, for introducing them to the big picture of farming (now they know if
this is for them and what they still need to learn about), and for giving them a
hands-on immersion into farming.
- Since their internship alumni have been very engaged in food and farming
activities. Many have taken on related jobs (natural food stores and restaurants,
education centres, research contracts), been involved in community organizations,
have worked on other organic farms, and have attended workshops/conferences.

Currently farming:
- 36% of alumni are currently farming. Most have been running a 1-5 acre market
garden for 1 to 2 years, and distribute through CSAs and farmers markets. Many
also raise livestock on a small scale. Most are renting land and farming with
partners. Most have an off-farm source of income but feel that the farm will
support them in less than three years.
- In terms of resources, these new farmers mostly draw on books/magazines and
other farmers.
- These alumni identify their CRAFT internship and the community it fosters as
their most important source of learning; second is “learning through doing”.
- These new farmers site financial viability as their #1 challenge.
- When asked what help they would like, these new farmers answered a more
engaged network of farmers (especially new farmers) to facilitate farm visits and
resource sharing and a better variety of services and programs targeting new
farmers (goal setting and business planning, start-up grants, land access).

Not currently farming:
- 97% would like to farm!
- These alumni view their internship as an “eye opener” to food and farming issues
and a catalyst in igniting their passion and confidence to work in this area.
- For those interested in farming, all mentioned the CRAFT internship as their most
valuable experience in learning to farm, emphasizing the hands-on immersion into
farm life. Specifically noted were the networks formed, being able to draw on the
knowledge of experienced farmers, the intentional learning activities (workshops,
farm visits) and being given responsibility.
- By far the biggest concern noted related to finances, especially with regards to
accessing land and securing start-up costs. Also noted was the lack of income
generated during internships, while still having to pay off student loans.
- Almost all respondents are dreaming of a small-scale diversified farms with a
focus on direct sales through CSA or farmers markets, often with small scale
livestock incorporated. Many want to incorporate educational programming or
social outreach into their farming.
- Finances are the main barrier preventing these alumni from starting farming
(start-up costs, worry won’t make money, pay off student loan/tuition), and the
area in which they would like help (access to money, grants or low/no-interest
loans, help with student loan or just a stable source of income before starting).

Looking ahead:
- Almost everyone intends to farm! Many also want to pursue educational ventures,
food advocacy and food-security issues.
- Advice these alumni would give other new farmers was the following: do as many
internships as you can; find creative ways to farm that don’t require buying land;
be part of a network of other farmers; start slowly/small; maintain an off-farm
source of income (especially at the beginning); find partners to farm with; always
keep furthering your education.

English, A. 2006. New Farmers and their learning needs: a case study of CRAFT
Ontario. MSc. Thesis, Agroecology Program, University of Life Sciences, As,
Norway.
Macey, A. 2006. Certified Organic Production in Canada, 2005. Canadian Organic
Growers Inc., Ottawa, Canada.

Appendix A: CRAFT Alumni: Survey Findings
Sent to 95 interns, 56 responded (59% response rate).

EVERYONE
Average age: 56 respondents
26
Sex: 56 respondents
68% female 32% male
Raised: 54 respondents
farm 7%; rural setting 18%; town 21%; suburb 25%; city 43%
Formal education: 54 respondents
College: 22% and 1/3 of which also attended University
Uni: 81%, and 16% of which went on to their a graduate degree
Highschool: 5% did not attend either University or college

Higher education field of study: 51 respondents
Agriculture: 6 %
Natural sciences: 22% (mostly in the field of biology)
Arts/humanities: 37%
Environmental sciences: 22%
Other: 13%

Prior experience: 54 respondents
None: 13 %
Home gardening/occasional farm visit: 31%
Employment, family farm or internship: 31%
Intensive volunteering or WWOOF: 20%
Research or landscaping: 9%
About 50% have at least a few months of experience on farms, though very few have
spent an entire season on one farm.

What skills and knowledge did you acquire during your internship? 53 respondents
Many respondents mentioned learning more than they could possibly write down. Most
spoke of the practical skills they’d gained in all aspects of running a market garden
(planning, greenhouse management, mechanical and manual cultivation, processing,
marketing and customer relations). Many also mentioned livestock care and working with
draft horse on certain farms. Certain respondents emphasized gaining skills in team work
and group dynamics, as well as confidence to farm and an understanding of the “big
picture” (organic movement, farming issues, etc.).

Were there any skills or knowledge you would have liked to develop, but didn’t?
51 respondents
33% related to business and garden planning (including marketing and finances)
27% answered none, often emphasizing that there is still lots they want to learnt, but are
only aware of this after their first introduction to farming; and that they couldn’t have
asked for more
16% related to tractor or other farm machinery work
14% related to livestock care or working with horses
6% related to construction/carpentry
6% self-sufficiency or small-scale gardening

Other topics mentioned included farming with mulches, fruit production, sustainable
technologies and lifestyles, cultivation, pasture management, biodynamics and
composting.

How was your internship most helpful in supporting your needs as a new farmer?
51 respondents
37% network of farmers and new farmers; see different farms; supportive community of
farmers
29% knowledge base/intro to big picture of farming/figure out if this is for me/ know
how to go about starting own farm
20% Hands-on experience/immersion into farming
16% confidence to farm
14% given responsibility
14% Practical skills
8% big picture understanding
6% CRAFT farmers’ commitment to learning

Other ideas noted included group dynamics, working hard, leaving with farm plans to
work from, and marketing.

How could your internship have better served your needs as a new farmer?
40 respondents
15% nothing
15% planning/finances/business development
10% don’t know
8% higher wage
8% more responsibility
8% more theory/formal learning
8% follow-up learning/networking
5% closer connection with other CRAFT farms

Other comments (only mentioned once) included the following: not letting new farms
join CRAFT; better organization of certain CRAFT days; more patient mentorship; less
isolation; the farmer being in the field more often; farmer feedback; more time on
tractors; more focus on small-scale self sufficiency.

What farming and/or food-related experiences have you have had since CRAFT
(examples: workshops, courses, employment, volunteering…)? 55 respondents
42% attending conferences/workshops
35% jobs (most in food retail & restaurant focusing on organic/local and education
centres, a few research contracts)
35% community engagement (farmer organizations, starting local food networks,
organizing local food events, volunteering for food-related organizations)
33% work on other farms (internships, WWOOF, paid)
25% food/agriculture education (working in education centre, running workshops,
program development)
22% school work/research
11% community gardens

Are you currently farming? 54 respondents
36% yes
64% no

CURRENTLY FARMING
Please provide a detailed account of your role and farm operation. 20 respondents
72% market garden (1 only selling to market, 2 only CSA, 10 market and CSA)
46% of market gardens also include livestock on a small scale
31% of market gardens also sell to restaurants
22% with educational component to farm

70% 1-5 acres
25% 5-10 acres
5% +10 acres

60% with current farm 1-2 years
40% with current farm 3-5 years

80% are running their own business
15% working for NGO
5% working for a wage

Of those running their own business:
88% farming with partners (71% of which involve partners other than their “significant
other”)
12% are farming alone
75% renting
25% own land

Would you consider your farm to economically support you: 20 respondents
35% now
5% in 1 year
30% in 3 years
5% in 10 years
20% working for a wage (someone’s else’s farm or for a non-profit)
5% don’t know

Do you have an off-farm source of income? 20 respondents
65% yes
35% no

As a new farmer, what resources (examples: programs, services, books, mentors)
have you been drawing on? 17 respondents
82% books/magazines (Elliott Coleman, Growing for Market, Acres Magazine, Joel
Salatin most mentioned)
82% other farmers (57% of which specify CRAFT farmers/interns)
24% workshops/conferences
18% organizations (EFAO most mentioned)
12% family
12% on-line resources

Other categories mentioned (only once) included small-business tools, crop planning
records from internship years, university research.

What experiences and/or resources have been most useful in helping you learn to
farm? 16 respondents
75% mentioned CRAFT internship and the community it fosters (emphasis on
mentorship by CRAFT farmers)
50% mentioned hands-on learning; trial and error; making mistakes
19% mentioned other farmers
19% mentioned books/resources
13% mentioned family

Other comments made (only once) included being given responsibility, the internet, the
biodynamic calendar and listening to one’s heart.

What are the most significant challenges you have encountered while pursuing
farming? 17 respondents
35% financial viability (making enough money; savings)
12% work-life balance
12% high capital costs
12% seeming lack of knowledge
12% access to land
12% business partnerships
12% how much to grow

Other comments mentioned once include burnout, regulations, finding labour, keeping
interns motivated, marketing, and still instigating large-scale changes in the food system.

As a new farmer, what help (examples: support programs, services or resources)
would you currently like? 16 respondents
56% network of farmers (especially new farmers, farm visits, equipment-sharing
network; time-management sharing)
36% support programs (accredited apprenticeship program; goal setting and business
planning; grants; government money for existing new farmer programs and
environmental stewardship; money for farmer “development” (farm visits, conferences
etc)
31% access to land (either through land-linking program linking retiring farmers with
new farmers; government protection of farmland; money to help buy land; or land trusts)
19% extension agent/organization/hotline (answer questions, access to garden plans of
experienced farmers, info on where to get materials or resources)

Other comments mentioned only once included more training with machinery
operation/maintenance, access to inventory of investors, more local seed production,
more technical local conference).

NOT CURRENTLY FARMING
What are you currently pursuing? 33 respondents
33% mentioned their work
30% school (60% of which in food/agriculture/environment fields)
21% food-related activism
18% mentioned doing another internship, volunteering on a farm or gardening
12% agricultural education

Many spoke about planning or saving up money for future farming endeavors, or
establishing a secondary source of income before they start farming.

How has your CRAFT internship helped you in this work (or other activity)?
33 respondents
Most interns speak about their internship experience as an “eye opener” to the issues
facing today’s food and farming systems (44%). In addition to giving them this
understanding, the internship also filled them with passion for food and farming, and
helped them have confidence to focus their energies and interests (40%). For many the
experience gave them the skills and direction to move towards a farming lifestyle (30%).
Many mentioned that the experience helped them in their current jobs or studies (18%).
Many also noted the importance of connecting to the local organic community (especially
CRAFT farmers) (15%).

Would you like to farm? 35 respondents
97% yes
3% no

INTERESTED IN FARMING
What experiences and/or resources have been most useful in helping you learn to
farm? 29 respondents
All the respondents mentioned the CRAFT internship as their most valuable experience,
referring to the hands-on immersion into farm life. Specifically noted were the networks
formed, being able to draw on the knowledge of experienced farmers, the intentional
learning activities (workshops, farm visits) and being given responsibility. Books were
noted by 28% of people. Other answers noted by 2 to 4 respondents included the organic
agriculture conference, academia, websites, and other on-farm work experiences.

What are the most significant challenges you have encountered while pursuing
farming? 31 respondents
By far the biggest concern noted related to finances (61%), especially with regards to
accessing land and securing start-up costs. Also noted was the lack of income generated
during internships, while still having to pay off student loans. Mentioned by 3 or 4
respondents were the physical exhaustion, isolation of farm settings, not having enough
experience, and the dynamics of relationships. Other answers noted by one individual
included the difficulty of forming partnerships, developing markets, the socio-political
environment, the unpredictability of weather, and the fear of failure.

What would your dream farm operation look like? 32 respondents
Almost all respondents are dreaming of a small-scale diversified farms with a focus on
direct sales through CSA or farmers markets (41%). 16% of individuals suggested that
their farming would be only for self-sustenance. 50% want to include livestock and
occasionally dairy, honey and grains. 47% want to incorporate educational programming
or social outreach. 16% mention wanting only to farm part-time, and 28% mention
wanting to farm in community or with partners. 9% mention wanting to farm with draft
horses. 9% mention wanting to use sustainable technologies. Only 1 person wanted to
have a purely livestock operation and 2 wanted some kind of added value production.

Is anything preventing you from farming? 33 respondents
42% finances (start-up costs, worry won’t make money)
18% pay off student loan/tuition
15% still in school or enjoying work
15% want to do other things first (travel, school…)
12% need more experience (interested in more responsibility while still guidance of
farmer mentor)
9% access to land
9% rural lifestyle
6% fear of failure

What would help make it possible for you to farm? 29 respondents
62% are looking for financial security (through receiving access to money, grants or
low/no-interest loans, help with student loan or just a stable source of income before
starting). 28% want more experience, especially in the form of mentorship. 21% mention
access to land. 17% mentioned having a supportive rural/farm community.

FROM EVERYONE
In the future, how do you hope to apply your experience and interest in farming?
50 respondents
Almost everyone intends to farm! Many (26%) also want to pursue education ventures:
train new farmers how to farm or teach the general public about food and agriculture.
Many respondents also mentioned wanting to be involved in advocacy, food security
issues and community development around food.

What advice would you give to other new farmers considering farming as a
livelihood? 45 respondents
The most repeated pieces of advice were the following:
Do as many internships as you can (for the entire seasons)
Find creative ways to farm that don’t involve buying land right away (start business on
someone else’s farm; get paid position; rent land…)
Be part of a network of other farmers
Start slowly/small
Maintain an off-farm source of income (especially at the beginning)
Find partners to farm with
Always keep furthering your education

80% of respondents preferred an internet survey like this one to a emailed one or
mailed one (17% didn’t care).

91% of respondents said they would be ok with you contacting them after the
survey.