Farmer Advocate Training

When is the training?

The training will take place on March 27 and 28, 2025 at the New Farm Centre in Creemore, Ontario, about an hour and a half north-west of Toronto Pearson Airport. Participants will travel to the farm on March 26 and return home on March 29. Participants must be available for both full days of the training.

Who should apply?

This program is open to all producers based in Canada. Priority will be given to producers who are already working to improve the environmental performance of their farm and who want to build their communication and advocacy skills. The ideal applicant is:

• A farmer or rancher based in Canada.
• Already working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower input use, increase climate resilience, and/or promote healthy soils on your farm.
• Actively involved in farm and/or community organizations.
• Outgoing and passionate about advocating for a sustainable agriculture sector in Canada.

We encourage applications from under-represented and equity-deserving farmers.

How will participants be selected?

Approximately 12 participants will be selected based on the criteria above, with a balanced representation of different regions, scales and types of production. Successful applicants will be notified on February 21, 2025. 

What does the training cost?

There is no cost to participants. The cost of all flights, accommodation, meals and training will be covered by the New Farm Centre. Participants who drive to the farm will be reimbursed for their mileage.

What do you mean by “advocacy”?

We define advocacy as any activity that can build support and interest in climate-friendly, sustainable, regenerative and/or organic agriculture. Advocacy activities could include hosting a field day on your farm, speaking to a farm meeting, talking to the media, writing an op-ed, meeting with a government or elected official, posting on social media, taking a leadership role in a farm organization, or speaking to a school group or community organization. The training program will help participants identify the type of advocacy that they are most interested in doing.

What will happen at the training?

Participants will work with expert trainers to build their practical communications and advocacy skills. The training will be facilitated by an experienced communications professional, and will also include subject-matter experts on topics such as the science of climate change and agriculture and the agricultural policy-making process in Canada. Participants will work with customizable presentation templates and other tools to build a compelling “farm story pitch” that uses examples and inspiration from their own operations.

What is The New Farm Centre?

Our farm has been around for a long time, but the New Farm Centre is a new organization that seeks to develop, demonstrate and advocate for regenerative agriculture. Located on a Regenerative Organic Certified farm, the Centre provides hands-on education opportunities for farmers and non-farmers.

What if I still have questions?

Please reach out to jenn@thenewfarm.ca