Starting a farm is no small feat—it takes courage, commitment, and resilience. The learning curve can feel steep, and the challenges are real. But you’re not alone. Across Ontario, there are people, programs, and organizations working hard to support new farmers like you, every step of the way.
Farms at Work is here to connect you with trusted tools, practical information, and experienced voices to help you succeed. Whether you’re looking for land, building a business plan, applying for funding, or just starting to imagine your path, we’re here to help.
Above all, remember: your farm dream is part of a growing movement to build a more secure, resilient, and sustainable food system. We’re glad you’re here.
Read: Starting a Farm in Ontario – an overview from OMAFA.
Take a course: Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario – New Farmer Training Courses
And: Foundations in Agricultural Management – A free online course through the University of Guelph
Our Community Farm: Learn more about the Community Farm that Farms at Work is developing in partnership with a landowner on the south edge of Peterborough Learn more here
Guide: Farm Financial Records: A Guide to Managing for Success
Decide: Sole proprietorship, partnership, or incorporation? Consider tax implications and legal agreements. More than half the farm businesses in Ontario are sole proprietorships (have one owner). Another third are partnerships. These are mostly spousal partnerships or other arrangements within a family. About 17% of farms are incorporated, and normally a financial or tax advisor will recommend this only when a farm reaches a certain size.
Resource: Starting a Business in Ontario
Farm Business Registration Number (FBRN): Required if gross farm income is over $7,000. Register here (Agricorp)
Premises Identification Number (PID): A Premises Identification Number is required in Ontario for access to many funding and compensation programs. It is free and can be obtained by telephone or online. A Premises Identification Number, referred to as a Premises ID (PID), is a number identifying a parcel of land where agri-food activities occur. Premises Identification Numbers differ from business registration numbers (e.g. Farm Business Registration Number (FBRN), license, or other business identifiers as each one is linked to a specific parcel of land, not to a business. Register Here
Visit: Find Farmland – listings and land access resources
Read: Making Good Farmland Agreements: A Practical Guide to Leasing, Sharing and Buying Farmland in Ontario. The Farmland Agreements Guide above, provides suggestions of many important aspects to consider
Join: Farms at Work is developing a Community Farm – find out if this opportunity could be a fit for your plans here.
Consider: Land is your most important asset, in which you will invest significant amounts of both time and money. Make sure you are making a decision that meets your needs and will stand the test of time. Land tenure, lease vs purchase, suitability for your crop/livestock type.
Review: Farm Management Canada’s guide: Farm Financial Records: A Guide to Managing For Success
Starter Company & Summer Company – For youth and student entrepreneurs
Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) Programs – OSCIA administers several cost-share programs that provide funding for on-farm improvements that enhance environmental sustainability, productivity, and innovation
FedDev Ontario – Agriculture Funding Programs – A federal resource hub listing grants, subsidies, and contributions available to support agricultural businesses across Southern Ontario
Canadian Agricultural Loans Act (CALA)
Government-backed loan guarantees to help farmers develop or improve their operations
Futurpreneur Canada
Loans and mentoring for entrepreneurs aged 18–35 launching a new business
Community Futures
Business support and financing through 61 regional CFDCs across Ontario
Fair Finance Fund
Social financing for local food and farm enterprises across Ontario
Farm Credit Canada (FCC)
Loans and services for farms and agribusinesses, including Young Farmer Loans
First Nations Agriculture & Finance Ontario
Financial services and training for First Nations farmers and agri-startups
Canada Small Business Financing Program
Federal loan program for small business startups and expansion
FedDev Ontario – Business Funding
Southern Ontario business grants and funding opportunities
Agricultural Credit Corporation (ACC)
Producer-focused operating loans; AgriStability participation required
CAFA is a non-profit, self-regulating organization for Canadian farm advisors. Its mission is to continually improve the quality of advice being given to farm producers and their families. A farm advisor listing is available online. CAFA members include accountants, lawyers, financial planners, bankers, insurance brokers, family therapists and other professionals.
Looking for groups working beyond east central Ontario? Funding, grants, financing and more supporting new farmers across across Indigenous Territories/Ontario
Starting a farm requires careful planning, access to reliable information, and a clear understanding of the steps involved. Whether you’re aiming to grow on a small scale or manage a larger operation, here you’ll find the knowledge and tools you’ll need to move forward with confidence. We encourage you to explore related resources like those listed above—each offering support, community, and valuable programming for aspiring farmers.
