The land acquisition of Discovery Farm Woodstock by Glacier FarmMedia has been finalized, Ernie Hardeman, MPP for Oxford, announced at the farm site Mar. 16. This acquisition gives Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show (COFS) a permanent home at the site and paves the way for continued growth and development.
After announcing in Sept. 2020 the intention to develop Discovery Farm Woodstock as an applied research facility to strengthen Ontario’s agriculture sector as well as permanently host COFS, the 100-acre land purchase became final on Nov. 1, 2021.
Hardeman said the sale supports the continued success of the show by allowing Glacier Farmmedia and exhibitors to make long-term investments on the site.
“Ensuring that farmers will continue to have a place to learn about cutting-edge research and innovative solutions at the new Discovery Farm Woodstock is key to maintaining knowledge-transfer at the grassroots level,” said Hardeman. “The sale of this property reinforces Ontario’s commitment to accelerating our agriculture sector through innovation, research and the adoption of new practices and technologies.”
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“This is a ground-breaking moment for Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show as we now have a permanent home at this hub of learning and demonstration that is Discovery Farm Woodstock,” said Doug Wagner, COFS president at the announcement. He thanked Mr. Hardeman for his efforts to make the sale a reality during his time as Minister of Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and thanked Minister Lisa Thompson for her continued support.
The sale includes the provision for Glacier Farmmedia to build a new agri-food research facility on the grounds that will be an important venue for applied technology, and sharing the latest products and services available to Ontario’s agri-food sector, said Hardeman.
Wagner said the goal of the Discovery Farm is to be a hub for applied research demonstrations and knowledge outreach initiatives for farmers, with a focus on sustainability and soil health.
“Everything on the site is tailored to farmers experience, meaning tangible results will emerge from the research and demonstrations. We believe this is a key way of transferring in-field knowledge to farmers,” said Wagner.
Prior to the acquisition, the land was leased from the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario for the purpose of operating COFS.
Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show will be held at Discovery Farm Sept. 13-15, 2022.
About Discovery Farm:
Glacier FarmMedia Discovery Farm Woodstock, Ont., home of Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show, and its sister operation Discovery Farm Langham, Sask., which hosts Ag in Motion, are unique and innovative event, demonstration and applied agriculture research sites. The goal of both Discovery Farms is to connect Canadian producers with industry and academic partners in the quest to find practical solutions to the most pressing agricultural challenges of today and tomorrow.
