Hoppy Fields Farm
Hoppy Fields Farm, a small, organically run vegetable farm just north of Fergus, Ontario, epitomizes dedication to producing nutritious and delicious foods while prioritizing accessibility for the community. This farm stands out not only for its high-quality produce but also for its commitment to regenerative farming techniques, which are essential for building healthy soils and fostering diverse ecosystems.
The name Hoppy Fields Farm reflects the farm's unique environment, where a forest and wetland ecosystem thrives, home to an incredible number of frogs and toads. This biodiversity is a testament to the farm's commitment to promoting life in all its forms. Operating on family land, Hoppy Fields Farm produces a wide variety of vegetables throughout the year. These vegetables are distributed weekly to CSA members and local restaurants, ensuring a consistent supply of fresh, organic produce.
Owned and operated by TJ Radcliffe, the farm benefits from his extensive background in Geography and Environmental Science, as well as over a decade of experience working as a chef in restaurants around the world. TJ's passion for organic and regenerative food production techniques, coupled with his culinary expertise, drives him to grow the best-tasting food possible and select the finest vegetable varieties.
Seeking an organization with shared ethics and values, Hoppy Fields Farm found the perfect partner in Fair Finance Fund. The Stepping Stone loan provided by Fair Finance Fund enabled the farm to complete critical infrastructure projects before winter.
The loan has been instrumental in the construction of a 30 by 48-foot greenhouse, which will serve multiple purposes: housing laying hens during the winter, functioning as a nursery in the spring, and providing a space for growing tomatoes throughout most of the season. Additionally, the loan has facilitated the building of a larger henhouse and the expansion of the flock. The remaining funds have been allocated to completing cold storage facilities, thereby increasing the farm's capacity to grow and store crops for winter CSA shares and sales.
Hoppy Fields Farm’s CSA program runs for 20 weeks each year (the first week of June until mid October) depending on the weather and length of the growing season.
Through the support of Fair Finance Fund, Hoppy Fields Farm is well-positioned to continue its mission of providing the community with nutritious, delicious, and accessible food while maintaining and enhancing the health of the environment. This partnership underscores the impact that aligned values and ethical practices can have on fostering sustainable and thriving local food systems.