Are you interested in participating in a variety trial for fava beans or okra? What about sweet peppers or iceberg lettuce? Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario (EFAO) invites you to multi-farm research trials, led by farmers.
Farmer-researchers are suggested to trial at least three varieties. A typical variety trial needs ~12~16 row feet per variety.
EFAO offers seven farmer-led research trials:
Fava Beans with Micheline Lalonde of Avling Rooftop farm
Fava beans, also known as broad beans or faba beans in English, are an important staple in diets throughout the world. This trial will look at four or five varieties of fava beans to determine which varieties are best suited for growing in southern Ontario.
Iceberg Lettuce with Kristine Hammel of Persephone Market Garden
To determine the best varieties for flavour and ecological production in Ontario, this trial will evaluate six varieties of iceberg lettuce over three plantings – early, mid, and late season.
Okra with Rav Singh of Shade of Miti
This trial will assess six different varieties of okra to determine the best yielding varieties for ecological production in southern Ontario.
Sweet Red Pepper with Mike Smith of the Guelph Urban Organic Farm at the University of Guelph
Smith will lead the assessment of approximately six varieties of sweet red peppers in both the hoop house and in the field to determine the varieties with the best marketable yields.
Radicchio with Rebbeca Ivanoff
Ivanoff will be leading a continuation of the CANOVI radicchio trial in cooperation with EFAO. This trial will look at five varieties of radicchio and assess which varieties are best for taste and ecological production in Ontario. There is limited seed available for this trial so submissions will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis.
Grain Amaranth with Phil Mount of Flat Earth Farm
This trial will be a continuation of the grain amaranth variety trail initiated in 2020 by Ronaldo Eleazar Lec Ajcot and Myriam Legault. Four varieties of grain amaranth will be assessed to determine which is best suited for ecological production in southern Ontario.
No-Till Potato Trial with Karlo Bobinac and Matt Jones of Jones Family Greens farm
Bobinac and Jones are looking for farmers interested in participating in their no-till potato trial after a year of trialing methods less formally. No-till methods under assessment include using wood chip mulch and straw mulch compared to regularly hilled potatoes. A no-till potato trial will need ~240 feet of bed space.
EFAO is a membership organization established in 1979 by farmers for farmers. They focus on farmer-led education, research, and community building.
Sign up to participate in the trial here. Indicate your interest by Friday, Marth 4th.