Farmers Directory Part One

Agriculture and food production has been a part of The Forest City's culture for a long time, but the developing relationships between farmers and the community is what makes this region so unique. One of the most important goals of the Forest City Cookbook is motivating people to re-connect with where their food comes from. We want to thank our dedicated farmers for all the hard work they put into their fields to provide for us.

The difference between something grown locally and something that has travelled many miles is noticeable. By buying directly from our farmers, we guarantee that our food was handled by fewer hands and harvested at its peak ripeness. We're just asking for one simple thing, TRY IT! We could give you a thousand reasons why supporting our farmers is important, but the easiest way to shift from the grocery store is ultimately the flavour and nutrition associated.

So far, we have visited a handful of the farms that will be featured in the cookbook. These farms have compelling stories to tell, but they also have one thing in common: PASSION! That is what drives them to wake up each day before the sun rises, work long hours under the sun, struggle with the weather and face countless challenges. It is difficult to produce food, but all its challenges become rewards after a successful harvest. It's fulfilling to see the look on a child's face when they try a juicy blueberry straight from the field. And it is priceless to know you are nourishing the body and soul of so many people within the community.

Some of the farms we've visited so far (and you can visit too) include:

Mazak Asparagus Farm

Certified organic. A multi-generational family farm that started 40 years ago with Rick and Mary, now operated by their daughter Sarah and her husband, Barry Harrison. Focused mainly on certified organic asparagus, they also produce free-range eggs, rhubarb, garlic, pastured poultry and firewood. Located half-hour west of London. 

Website: mazakfarms.ca

Blueberry Hill

Certified organic. Family owned and operated by James and Teresa Murray with help from their beautiful children. Nine acres of organic, high-bush blueberries, a few blackberry bushes, and more than 30 years providing London and the surrounding area with homegrown berries. Located in Rodney, 45 min southwest of London. Sells at the Covent Garden Outdoors Farmers Market during the blueberry season. 

Website: blueberryhillfarmrodney.com

Clear Creek Farms

Organic. Family owned and operated by Chris Knight. Focused mainly on raising grass-fed Black Angus beef, and also pork and chicken. All animals are born and raised on the farm, having access to open spaces and quality pasture year-round. Located in Highgate, 50 min southwest of London. Sells in London through the Pantry Box with Chef Chad Steward.

Website: clearcreek.ca

Orchard Hill Farm

Established in 1979 by Ken and Martha Laing, and still operated by the couple and their daughter, Ellen. With 93 acres of land powered by Suffolk Punch draft horses, Orchard Hill grows a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, flowers and grains, while also training and raising Suffolk horses to sell. Located in St Thomas, 35 min south of London.

Website: orchardhillfarm.ca

Common Ground Farm

Established in 2014. Family owned and operated by Chris DeVries and family. A 40-acre property that produces a wide variety of vegetables, eggs, chicken, pork and some fruit. With more than 100 CSA Members and 2 bountiful stands at the Western Fair market in London and Horton Market in St. Thomas. Located in St. Thomas, 35 min south of London.

Website: commongroundfarm.ca

Red Barn Fruit Farm

Previously called Marsh Fruit Farm and purchased in 2007 by Darren and Maryellen Brown, first-generation farmers. They mainly focus on stone fruits with 42 acres of fruit trees (cherries, apricots, plums, peaches), apples, pears, pumpkin, and squash. Located in Arkona, 45 min northwest of London.

Website: redbarnfruitfarm.com

Dancey Family Farm

Established in 1844 by Dr. Edward Dancey and operated with love by Chris Dancey since 2000. Focused mainly on Katahdin sheep and Black Angus beef. All of the livestock live on pasture year-round and is grass-fed and grass-finished. Sells beef by the cut and lamb each fall by the half or whole carcass. Located east of Aylmer, 35 min south of London.

Heeman’s Strawberry Farm

Family owned and operated. Established in 1963 by Bill and Susan Heeman. Growing strawberries, raspberries and a wide variety of flowers, herbs and plants. With 70+ acres of berries, state-of-the-art greenhouses, 3 generations proudly representing the Heeman's name. Providing London and it's surrounding communities for over 50 years. Located in Thorndale, 20 min east of London. 

Website: heeman.ca

Edible Acres

Family owned and operated by Corey and Laurie Ahrens for over 10 years. Focused on growing a large variety of products, mostly heirloom varieties using only organic seed, they also raise sheep and free-run chickens, have an adorable pair of KuneKune pigs and a few hives of honeybees. They sell mostly through their CSA Program and at the Masonville Outdoors Market on Fridays. Located in Thorndale, 20 min east of London.  

Website: edibleacres.net

A lot more to come... The Forest City Cookbook celebrates the local connections and partnerships within the local food system and showcases the passionate producers leading the local food movement in our region.