About

There is an unprecedented transition happening in Canadian agriculture. 92% of farmers who are looking to downsize or retire don’t have successors (AAFC). Meanwhile, young people, new Canadians and second career farmers from all backgrounds are looking for new paths into agriculture. 

FarmLINK.net is a national land listing and linking tool designed to connect those looking for land to rent, lease or buy, on farm employment, business partnerships in agriculture, or farm succession arrangements with landowners and retiring farmers who have farmland or other on farm opportunities.

FarmLINK.net History and Partnerships

FarmLINK.net started as Farmlinkontario.net in 2008, a pilot project of FarmStart in partnership with the Ontario Farmland Trust and the Kawartha Land Trust. In 2013, on a shoestring budget, FarmStart transitioned the site to FarmLINK.net with the intention that it would become a national platform. In 2015, Keeley Nixon, from Linking Land and Farmers (LLAF), a BC non-profit society committed to land access,  joined the team. Since then we have worked to redevelop FarmLINK.net into an effective, easy to use, and dynamic on-line platform, able to connect farm-seekers, farmers and landowners with opportunities and resources nationwide.

We are always looking for partners, sponsors and local organizations to work with to expand our reach and effectiveness. If we can work together to help connect and support the next generation of farmers, we would love to hear from you.

Media

Watch our FarmLINK Stories of Success

Team

Anahita Belanger

Anahita is focused on developing resilient food systems for future generations. Over the past 20 years she has built some of the world’s largest food brands and now supports the next generation of farmers with innovative solutions that provide farmers access to land and funding. Anahita is establishing her own regenerative organic farm in Hillsdale, Ontario and enjoys hiking and biking, especially with her husband and three growing boys.

Keeley Nixon

Keeley Nixon has been involved in the agriculture sector since moving to coastal BC from the Northern Interior in 2001. As a farmer and food security organizer she's spent over a decade with her hands in the soil and heart in the community working with countless farm and food organizations in BC and across Canada. Doing behind the scenes work to strengthen the sustainable agriculture sector is what fuels her fire and she runs her own one-woman studio Keeley Nixon Creative & Consulting to do just that. She brings her experience with numerous non-profits, passion for food and flowers, good design, community engagement and general joie de vivre to all that she does.

Christie Young

Christie is the Founder and Executive Director of FarmStart: an innovative and groundbreaking organization, supporting a new generation of farmers. FarmStart was a Tides Canada's Top 10 and a recipient of Ontario's Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence. Christie is an Ashoka Fellow, focused on farm renewal and healthy food systems. She is aiming to bring more impact investment to regenerative and resilient agriculture. On the side, Christie also co-owns a restaurant in Guelph Ontario, and spends the rest of her time trying to keep up with her busy kids.