It's Giving Farm: Food Justice and Biodiversity in an Urban National Park
Nestled in the hamlet of Altona, just east of Whitchurch-Stouffville, Ontario, It's Giving Farm is a small-scale ecological farm spanning seven acres, co-owned and operated by Fianna Dirks and Ekow Stone. With a combined 15+ years of farming experience and a deep passion for food justice, Fianna and Ekow are launching their farm venture after years of managing food justice programming and a four-acre farm for a non-profit in Toronto. Their journey began when Parks Canada requested proposals in 2022 to lease farmland in Rouge National Urban Park. Seizing this unique opportunity, they crafted a robust business and farm plan, successfully securing one of the first leases of its kind in the park's history. Both Ekow and Fianna took two years to work farm jobs, gaining further experience in the field, and are now launching It's Giving Farm full time!
As first-generation farmers with diverse lived experiences, Ekow Stone (right) and Fianna Dirks (left) bring a unique perspective to the challenges within the food system.
Farming with a Mission: Sustainability, Equity, and Community
It's Giving Farm was created to be a vehicle for social change, promoting a just food system through organic growing methods, fair labour practices, and the preservation of culturally significant seeds. Recognizing the GTA’s ethnic diversity and the gaps in fresh, locally grown, culturally appropriate produce, Fianna and Ekow aim to bridge this divide by growing a wide range of vegetables, fruits, herbs, cut flowers, and seeds. Their long-term plans include serving a 100+ member CSA, participating in a weekly farmers’ market, and expanding into seed sales through retail and wholesale channels.
As first-generation farmers with diverse lived experiences, Ekow And Fianna bring a unique perspective to the challenges within the food system. Their commitment to sustainability extends beyond food production to improving soil health and enhancing biodiversity within their local ecosystem.
Laying the Groundwork: Infrastructure and Startup Investment
With their residence and land secured in 2023, Fianna and Ekow have been establishing the foundational infrastructure and acquiring essential equipment to operate effectively all while continuing their salaried jobs in Toronto Their startup plan includes preparing the land for long-term sustainable growing, setting up irrigation systems, and constructing washing stations, storage facilities, and a greenhouse structure. With funding support from the Fair Finance Fund, these investments will set the stage for a thriving farm that aligns with their sustainability and equity-driven vision. Financing from the Fund will help It’s Giving Farm to construct a wash pack station, a delivery van for markets and wholesale, finishing greenhouse, and much more.
Community Impact: Education and Biodiversity Initiatives
As part of their commitment to fostering education and environmental sustainability, It's Giving Farm plans to host training events and workdays, where community members can gain hands-on experience in farm infrastructure, cover cropping, garlic production, and creating pollinator habitats. As the farm transitions into full production, they will collaborate with organizations such as the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario (EFAO) to host specialized workshops for both new and experienced farmers.
What’s more, the farm will establish beneficial insect habitats, hedgerows, and beetle banks to support native pollinators and improve ecosystem resilience.
With a clear vision and strategic approach, It's Giving Farm is poised to make a lasting impact on Ontario’s sustainable food landscape. By combining ecological farming practices, community education, and a deep commitment to food justice, Fianna and Ekow are building more than just a farm—they are contributing to a more just and resilient local food system!
