Around here, organic isn’t a trend, it’s the whole reason we exist.
Jonathan, our owner and head farmer, has been farming for almost two decades, and it’s been organic from the very beginning. But the path to the Farm didn’t start in the soil, believe it or not, it actually started in a lecture hall at McGill, where he was studying medicine.
His goal was always the same: help people. It just took him some time to figure out how.
The pull toward meaningful work eventually led him to agriculture, where curiosity grew into years of studying agronomy and working on organic farms across Canada and the U.S., learning how soil, ecosystems, and food systems can truly give back.
Ottawa Farm Fresh took root in spring 2020, built on a vision of something bigger than a farm. A place where organic practices, community, and connection all live side by side.
Because at the end of the day, it all comes back to one idea: if you take care of the soil, it takes care of everything else.
So… what do we actually mean by “organic”?
For us, it’s not a label, it’s a daily practice.
No synthetic pesticides. Ever. When needed, we use Canadian organic approved sprays made from natural, low-persistence ingredients to manage pests and diseases responsibly. Beyond that, we focus on building healthy soil, encouraging biodiversity, and working with natural systems rather than trying to overpower them. We fertilise with compost and chicken manure, feeding the soil so it can do what it does best.
It’s less about controlling nature, and more about partnering with it.
Better for the people behind the food
There’s also a human side to all of this. Farmers exposed to chemical pesticides face higher rates of certain cancers and long-term health issues. That’s not a trade-off we’re willing to make, for ourselves, our team, or anyone who steps onto this land.
Organic farming, for us, is about creating a safer environment from the ground up.
Keeping it close to home
Choosing organic, local food has a ripple effect.
Small-scale farms like ours, especially those selling directly to the community, help keep money where it matters most. According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, about $0.66 of every dollar spent at a local business stays in the community, compared to just $0.11 with large multinational retailers. On farms like ours, where so much is sourced and spent locally, that impact likely goes even further.
The result? Stronger local businesses, more resilient services, and a community that feels genuinely connected. It’s something we’re proud to be part of, not just as a farm, but as your neighbours.
More than a label
Organic isn’t just about what we don’t use. It’s about what we’re building - healthier soil, safer working conditions, and a community that feels a little more connected to where its food comes from.
That’s the real dirt on organic.