Our Mission

The Roots Farm Cooperative exists to reduce systemic barriers in agriculture by providing long-term land access, shared infrastructure, and practical business and agricultural support to emerging farmers from communities historically underrepresented in the sector, including BIPOC, 2SLGBTQ+, women, and francophone farmers in Ontario. Guided by leadership rooted within these communities, we are committed to building a more equitable and accessible agricultural landscape where diverse farmers can establish, grow, and sustain their own enterprises.

The lots available on the Land

Roots Farm & Retreat is located in Newington, Ontario on 75 acres of land, with approximately 40 acres dedicated to supporting farmers from equity-deserving communities. The clay loam soil has been stewarded using organic practices for over 50 years. Beginning in the 2026 growing season, parcels will be available to farmers seeking to rent within our incubator model.

We maintain a thoughtful vetting process to ensure alignment with our mission and the responsible use of shared resources. Applicants must demonstrate that:

• They have a clear goal of purchasing their own land or expanding into a permanent farming space. Our model is designed to support farmers in laying strong foundations and building long-term stability and generational wealth; therefore, land access is offered for a maximum of 10 years.

• They possess an established agricultural base. As an incubator — not a training school — we prioritize applicants with agricultural certification, a diploma or higher education in agriculture, or demonstrated years of hands-on farming experience.

• They can present a viable business plan with at least a one-acre production vision, ensuring strong land stewardship and allowing us to manage shared infrastructure and resources effectively.

Apply With us today!

Our Services

Annual 500$ Administration Fees

    • Business support from our experts to improve your initial business idea with a formal business plan (including a clear exit strategy to own your own land!)

    • Yearly tweaks to make sure you are on the right path

    • Yearly planning of the crops (type, size, preparation, budget, etc)

    • Work life balance help (accommodations, personal budget, etc.)

    • Introduction to like minded members of the local community

Apply with us today

Monthly fee/acre (minimum 1 year and 1 acre)

150$ Lot Fees

    • Office (WiFi, printing, etc.)

    • Access to irrigation system

    • Tractor to prepare the land

    • Washing station

    • Barn

    • Daily meditation sessions

Meet Our Experts

  • Didier Boucard

    Business advisor

    It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

  • Dan Marion - Pitt Street Garden

    Local farm expert

    Pitt Street Garden is  a market garden located Pitt Street in Cornwall, Ontario.  They offer a full variety of fresh, seasonal, organic vegetables and produce a weekly food box program for our members known as a Community Supported Agriculture or CSA.  Their micro farm grows on one acre of productive land using ecological practices

  • Fimo Mitchell

    Wellness

    When The Village Meditates  is a nonprofit dedicated  to facilitating  meditation, yoga and discussion spaces as well as wellness retreats that centers racialized and marginalized people. Fimo Mitchell founded the nonprofit in the summer of 2020 with the hope of offering a safe and inclusive space where individuals may embark on a journey inward while being part of an empathetic and compassionate community. When The Village Meditates is a place of contemplation, connection and liberation. We believe that we heal and thrive together. 

  • Kristen Perry

    Agronomist

    Kristen is an agronomist and urban farmer at Jardins KUMI Gardens with over a decade of experience cultivating edible ecogardens. She offers workshops and personalized garden consultations, helping individuals and communities grow vibrant, productive spaces rooted in ecological care.

  • Josh Lepage

    Lepage Family Farm

    Josh Lepage is a regenerative livestock farmer raising grass-fed beef, pastured pork, poultry, and eggs with a strong focus on soil health, ethical animal care, and resilient local food systems.

The Roots Farm Cooperative

The Roots Farm Cooperative is federally registered and focused on managing and renting the land to new farmers.  It is organized into three categories:

  • Worker category : These are the employees at the core of the project who service day to day farmers with administrative, agricultural and maintenance support

  • Support category : These are the partners that provide punctual agricultural and financial support to the project

  • Farmer category : This category is reserve for our farmers to centralize purchasing and marketing power

    • Ben-David, Sheena

    • Boucard, Didier

    • Brisson, Joey

    • Mitchell, Fimo