Ontario Farmland Access

Position: Land Access Coordinator
Organization: National Farmers Union - Ontario
Location: Work from home, Ontario

• Hours: 25 hours/week
• Duration: October 1, 2024 to March 28, 2025 with possibility of extension dependent on additional funding
• Compensation: $24/hour

Role and Responsibilities:

The Land Access Coordinator is passionate about finding solutions to the land access challenges facing new, young and Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) farmers in Ontario. They have strong organizational, research and networking skills, and knowledge of provincial and municipal land use policy to help advance land access conversations and opportunities.

The Land Access Coordinator will:

1. Facilitate Land Access Support and Knowledge Sharing

• Collaborate with local and regional partners to support new, young and BIPOC farmers trying to access land
• Conduct a survey of NFU-O farmers to determine levels of interest, barriers and opportunities in land sharing or transfer
• Coordinate Land Access Coalition meetings with partners in Ontario
• Coordinate with Land Access Field Coordinators across the province
• Respond to inquiries by landless farmers and current farmers and facilitate connections, where possible
• Maintain records of land access partners, land seekers, and land holders

2. Research Out of Family Succession Planning Models

• Conduct research on out of family succession planning models and develop a resource for sharing with landowners interested in passing on their land to new, young and BIPOC farmers

3. Advance Land Access Policy Solutions

• Continue ongoing policy research to identify gaps in information and resources around municipal and provincial policy opportunities to advance land access in Ontario

Skills and Experience:

• Knowledge of the Ontario agricultural community and key agricultural land use policies
• Knowledge of and experience with the land access challenges faced by new, young and BIPOC farmers
• Experience developing relationships using a variety of communication tools
• Experience with digital communications an asset
• Interest in community-building, environmental sustainability and food sovereignty
• A strong communicator with excellent written and verbal skills
• Highly motivated and able to work independently and in a team
• Demonstrated problem-solving abilities

• Excellent time management skills
• Ability to work from home
• French language skills are an asset

To apply:

Send your cover letter detailing how your skills and experience fit with this position, along with your resume, in PDF format by Monday, September 16 to Krista Long, Executive Director at careers@nfuontario.ca with the subject line “Land Access Coordinator”.

Only those applicants invited for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please. Interviews will take place the week of September 23.

NFU-O is a collaborative and team-oriented work environment. As a grassroots farm member organization, we know our strength comes from diversity and we are committed to creating and sustaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels that they belong. We encourage applicants of diverse race, ethnicity, gender identity, age, religion, ability, sexual orientation, and gender expression. The NFU-O will provide support and accommodation in its recruitment process that considers an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require accommodations during the interview process, please include them with your application.

About the National Farmers Union - Ontario

The NFU-O is an accredited farm organization in Ontario that works towards the development of economic and social policies that will ensure dignity and income security for farmers, while protecting and enhancing rural environments for current and future generations. The NFU-O believes that agriculture should be economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable and should lead to enriched soils, biodiverse natural ecosystems, financially-viable farms, high quality, healthy and safe food for people, and thriving rural communities.

Learn more at: http://www.nfuontario.ca

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