The Ontario Lavender Association (OLA) is celebrating excellence in local agricultural leadership with the presentation of its 2026 Legacy Award, recognizing two families whose dedication, innovation, and community spirit have helped shape Ontario’s growing specialty farming sector.
This year’s recipients are The Schooley Family of Applehill Lavender Farm and Steve & Anita Buehner, former owners of Bonnieheath Estate Lavender & Winery. Both families have played foundational roles in strengthening the lavender industry and advancing the visibility of niche agriculture across the province.
Celebrating Leadership in Specialty Agriculture
The Legacy Award acknowledges individuals who demonstrate sustained leadership, service, and a meaningful influence on the Ontario lavender community. By sharing knowledge, mentoring fellow growers, and championing agri‑tourism, recipients embody the collaborative spirit that drives the sector forward.
In announcing the awards, the Ontario Lavender Association expressed its “sincere appreciation and congratulations to the Schooley and Buehner families for their contributions and continued commitment to the industry.”
The Schooley Family: Strengthening the Industry Through Leadership and Knowledge Sharing
The Schooley Family of Applehill Lavender Farm has been recognized for their deep commitment to best practices, grower education, and the advancement of lavender as a viable specialty crop. Their leadership within the association has supported the development of new growers and helped elevate production standards across Ontario.
Known for their willingness to share insights and experience, the Schooleys have contributed significantly to strengthening the association’s mission and fostering a culture of collaboration within the lavender community.
Steve & Anita Buehner: Pioneers of Lavender Agri‑Tourism in Ontario
Steve and Anita Buehner, formerly of Bonnieheath Estate Lavender & Winery, are being honoured for their foundational role in shaping Ontario’s lavender agri‑tourism landscape. As early leaders within the association, the Buehners championed the crop’s potential long before it became a recognized feature of Ontario’s agri‑tourism experiences.
Their work helped broaden public awareness of lavender as both an agricultural product and a rural destination, contributing to the sector’s long‑term growth and strengthening the economic opportunities available to small and specialty farms.
A Growing Sector With Deep Local Roots
Ontario’s lavender industry has expanded steadily over the past decade, driven by increasing consumer interest in local botanicals, value‑added products, and on‑farm experiences. The contributions of families like the Schooleys and the Buehners continue to influence growers across the province, supporting the diversification and resilience of Ontario’s small‑scale farming landscape.
The OLA notes that recognizing leadership within the sector is essential to sustaining this momentum and inspiring the next generation of lavender producers.
As noted, Ontario lavender has become a hallmark of the province’s specialty agriculture, known for its vibrant purple fields that stretch across the countryside from late June through mid‑August. These fragrant, therapeutic landscapes draw visitors for agritourism experiences, photography, and locally crafted products. Grown in regions such as Prince Edward County and the Milton area, Ontario lavender is prized for its calming, stress‑relieving properties and its versatility in culinary uses, skincare formulations, and home‑wellness goods.