Zawadi Farm

08/17/2024

08/16/2024

The Zawadi Land Stewardship Initiative was created to support people reaching out to us who had access to land that they wanted to sustainably manage and use in service community agriculture initiatives. We offer personalized consulting services for implementing sustainable agricultural practices and ecosystem restoration projects.

We are taking on new clients in the Fall, so reach out if you want to connect!

We have worked on a diversity of projects and are especially excited about farm pond and wetland restoration, native pollinator meadows, woodland management, school and community based educational programs, food forests and regenerative farm plans.

08/16/2024

Incredible watching work her magic in our backyard plot!
The monster flowers blooming here are absolutely stunning. You can tell the soil was nurtured with love, and the results speak for themselves! 🌼✨

08/14/2024

08/09/2024

Harambee Collective is fortunate to be connected with local chefs, supporting them in their initiatives with our local organic vegetables! 🥕🌽🌱

08/06/2024

🌱 New Workshop at Zawadi Farm! 🌱

We are thrilled to share the success of our inaugural “Zawadi Summer Grow Program” workshop!

We recently had the pleasure of hosting students from the Rexdale Community Kids Program. Together, we explored the wonders of urban farming, the importance of sustainability, and the magic of composting. The students enthusiastically planted vegetables, toured our farm, and engaged in lively discussions about food production and environmental stewardship.

Seeing the next generation so passionate about sustainable practices and urban agriculture fills us with hope for the future. Thank you to everyone who made this event possible, and to the bright young minds who participated—your curiosity and energy are truly inspiring!

We look forward to many more workshops and opportunities to cultivate knowledge and grow together. 🌱🌎✨

08/02/2024

🌿✨ Exciting Day at Zawadi Farms! ✨🌿

We were honored to host representatives from the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) and the Passenger Process Group (PPG) yesterday, along with our local councillor, for a recognition tour and photo session. 📸

Their visit celebrates our journey and the amazing progress we’ve made in urban farming, sustainability, and community engagement. We’re deeply grateful for their support and recognition of our efforts to make a positive impact on our community.

A big thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. Together, we’re growing a greener, healthier future! 🌱

07/30/2024

It’s time to slow down and taste the rainbow, cherry tomatoes are in their peak season! 🍅

05/24/2024

T H E Harambee Collective is thrilled to announce our participation at the iconic St. Lawrence Market!
Come find us every weekend starting this Saturday, to explore a bountiful selection of fresh, organic produce direct from our farms to your table.

Meet the dedicated faces behind Ubuntu, Sarn Farms, and Zawadi Farm. Share in our passion for sustainable agriculture and discover the freshest flavors our soils have to offer.

Whether you’re looking for the crunchiest carrots, the juiciest tomatoes, or the freshest greens and herbs, we’ve got you covered. Our stall not only offers the best in local produce but also supports a great cause—strengthening local farming communities and promoting sustainable practices.

Don't forget to stop by, say hi, and support local! Your choices help us grow and thrive. Can't wait to see you there!

Snap a photo of your market finds and tag us with to share the love!

05/16/2024

H A R V E S T - readying for our first markets
Join The Harambee Collective this weekend and
Looking forward to meeting you 🙏🏿

05/10/2024

Thank you for the visit! here's to more

05/10/2024

Building on new growers

05/09/2024

W E L C O M I N G our newest additions to the Downsview farm family—two delightful feline friends.

We’re eager to embark on this agricultural adventure with them by our side.

A heartfelt thank you to the SPCA for their role in bringing these companions into our lives and aiding in the balance of Downsview Park’s ecosystem.

We’re thrilled to have them join us!

05/06/2024

Farm Update: Approaching the First Harvest

We are in full swing preparing for the upcoming season, which promises to be incredibly rewarding.

Despite a recent frost that affected some of our young plants, the majority of our crops are thriving. With the soil temperature on the rise, we’re observing strong germination rates, and our transplants are flourishing.

Our focus now shifts to tackling weeds, with suppression efforts already in progress.

Interested in fresh, local produce? Join our Harambee Collective CSA! Drop a comment for more details, and we’ll help you get started.

Keep an eye out for our upcoming farmers market dates!

Much love and light!

05/01/2024

One day, the news will catch up.
Yes I'm still holding hope!

04/30/2024

R O O T structures in seedlings are 😍

04/24/2024

L O C A L Organic Veggies Fresh from our soil to your table!

As Harambee Collective, we cultivate with care, using organic practices that make our produce nutrient-dense and bursting with flavor.

Visit www.zawadi.farm/harambee-collective to support your local growers!

Do you know who grows your food?

03/29/2024

At Zawadi Farm, we're raising a critical issue that affects the entire Wilmot Township community. The ongoing land assembly for industrial development is a cause for concern among local farmers and landowners. Our prime farmland, essential for local food production and environmental sustainability, is under threat.

“Involvement of Ontario Realty Corporation in Wilmot assembly far from routine”reads the Waterloo Region Record Article 

The lack of public consultation and transparency in the development process has left us feeling disregarded, fueling anxiety about our future and the fate of our lands. Moreover, the push for industrial development contradicts our collective efforts to combat climate change, potentially increasing greenhouse gas emissions and diminishing our farmland's ability to sequester carbon.

We stand firm in our commitment to sustainable farming and preserving our land. It's time for our community to unite, demand public consultation, and insist on development plans that honor our environmental commitments. Together, we can protect Wilmot Township's agricultural and ecological legacy. Let's make our voices heard and advocate for responsible, transparent development practices that safeguard our community's future. 



Full article
https://kitchener.citynews.ca/2024/03/22/landowners-in-wilmot-township-distraught-and-devastated-but-fighting-to-keep-prime-farmland/

03/23/2024

BUY NOW! Link in bio
Designed by the incredible
For those who know, this was a long journey to finally find something that captures the ethos of Zawadi Farm. Esther did an incredible job at bringing this vision to life and after wearing this merch for a while, I think it's time to let you enjoy the work too
There's a deeper meaning to this project and artwork, but I'll let Esther share it best in her own words shortly in our chat together
Now get yourself a copy of this one of a kind design and enjoy the labyrinth of the Original Fun Guys
Much love 🙏🏿

03/04/2024

J O I N the Movement: Become a Member of The Harambee Collective CSA!

Are you passionate about fresh, organic, and locally-sourced produce? Do you believe in the power of community and sustainable agriculture? If yes, then we have an exciting opportunity for you!

The Harambee Collective, a unique partnership between Zawadi Farm, Ubuntu Collective, and Sarn Farms, invites you to join our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. Our CSA is not just about receiving boxes of fresh produce; it's about becoming part of a community that supports local farmers, sustainable farming practices, and food sovereignty.

Why Join Us?

Fresh and Organic
Enjoy a weekly or bi-weekly selection of seasonal vegetables, perfect for individuals, couples, or families.

Support Local
Directly impact the livelihood of local, small-scale farms in our community.

Sustainability
Contribute to environmental stewardship and the promotion of biodiversity through sustainable agriculture.

Options to Suit Everyone:

Regular Share: Ideal for 2-3 individuals, featuring 7-9 items per delivery.

Large Share: Perfect for 4-5 individuals, with 8-11 items offering more variety and quantity.

Flexibility for Your Lifestyle:
Choose between weekly or every other week deliveries to best fit your needs.

Be Part of Something Bigger:
Joining The Harambee Collective's CSA means more than just good food. It’s about building a stronger, healthier, and more connected community. Let's grow together!

Ready to Join?
Visit our website zawadi.farm/harambee-collective to sign up today and secure your share of this season’s harvest. Let’s embrace Harambee’s spirit and pull together for a sustainable future.

02/11/2024

L A U N C H I N G Sustainability Food Collective
A space and time where we gather as members of the Toronto Food Community to explore bespoke workshops, events, and pop-ups surrounding food sustainability
We go live at the end of Feb for the launch of our Supper Club
Here we grow!

01/23/2024

I D E A - a dedicated food terminal for small-scale farmers.

This innovative venture could transform our thoughts on local farming and food distribution.

The key advantages of this hub and what it means for our local economy and food resilience would be a step in the right direction

Buying local produce supports local farmers, boosts the economy, and fosters entrepreneurship. It also ensures fresh and sustainable food with a diverse range of choices. By encouraging sustainable farming practices, we promote environmental stewardship, enhance food resilience, and provide economic incentives for farmers.

As an idea that I’m slowly working through, it’ll provide nourishment, empower our farmers, and protect our food resiliency long term.

Please let me know what you think.

10/08/2023

F U N D I N G that allows infrastructure build is the way to go
It's not easy finding institutions that align with the ethos of how we grow in the organic sector but I believe that they exist
To my American friends, check this article out. Link in bio
Canadian growers, who are your best funding partners that align with your growing operation ethos? What's your experience?

10/08/2023

B E D S almost ready for end of the season
All hot crops are finally out. Very happy to see that the cover crops are catching on well

10/05/2023

P O W E R - an incredible story of community power
Link in bio

09/15/2023

S T A Y vigilant. We're not out of the woods yet
Link in bio

09/11/2023

W H A T an incredibly challenging season this has been!
Getting these messages from our subsidized shares program melted my heart and confirmed why I farm the way I farm
This is a community of crazy farmers who support each other. Big thanks to Paul , Arnest , Zack and Andrew of , the many hands of volunteers and staff at Zawadi who have made these valued food connections possible
We need a food resilient city, and I'm on it!
We continue

07/31/2023

Embracing the Wisdom of Wendell Berry from "The Unsettling of America," we find profound insights about prime farming land and increased development.
There’s an emphasis on the vital connection between humans and the land, urging us to understand and respect the natural rhythms of the earth. Preserving prime farming land allows for balanced ecosystems, biodiversity, and long-term environmental health.
Supporting local communities, especially small-scale farmers, is crucial for maintaining agricultural heritage and sustainable practices. We call for balancing urbanization and preserving green spaces that sustain us. Farming is an act of stewardship and culture, not just an economic activity. It is about respecting the land and adopting sustainable practices for the benefit of future generations.
Promoting community and interdependence is essential for a resilient society. We must acknowledge the limits of the land and ourselves and adopt policies that prioritize preserving prime farmland. You and I can become better stewards of the land and advocate for sustainable development.
At Zawadi Farm, we are committing to safeguarding our prime farming land, creating a network of small-scale farmers, protecting biodiversity, and creating a flourishing self-sufficient future for generations to come.

07/27/2023

H A N D L I N G burnout

Prioritize Self-Care: Take time for yourself, engage in activities you love, and ensure enough rest. Self-care is crucial for recharging your energy!

Set Boundaries: Learn to say no to additional tasks when stretched thin. Setting boundaries helps manage your workload.

Seek Support: Don't go it alone! Talk to friends, family, or colleagues about your feelings. Sharing your struggles can lighten the burden.

Delegate and Collaborate: Share responsibilities with others and seek help when needed. Teamwork makes overcoming burnout easier!

Break Tasks Down: Overwhelmed by the mountain of work? Divide tasks into smaller, achievable steps to make progress less daunting.

Practice Mindfulness: Stay present and embrace each moment without judgment. Mindfulness can reduce stress and restore clarity.

Take Regular Breaks: Step away from work periodically to refresh your mind. Short breaks can boost productivity and creativity.

Engage in Relaxing Activities: Yoga, meditation, or spending time in nature can calm your mind and reduce stress levels.

Rethink Your Goals: Set realistic goals and celebrate each achievement. Remember, you're only human, and progress is key!

You've got the power to conquer burnout! Implement these strategies and watch your well-being soar!