Through a series of interactive in-person sessions, you’ll learn from experts in the field, engage with a diverse community of urban agriculture leaders, and hear a variety of perspectives on how to bring urban agriculture initiatives to life. Explore innovative approaches to growing food in urban spaces. Leave the program feeling inspired, connected, and equipped to take action in your community!
Module 1: Urban Agriculture Foundations
Define urban agriculture and explore different models such as urban farms, school gardens, allotments, and more. Discuss the co-benefits of urban food growing and the role of urban agriculture in food security, climate resilience, public health, and community development.
Format/Location: In-Person, Ecosource Community Hub
Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026 | 10 am to 12 pm
Presenter: Ecosource; Dr. Julian Hasford (Black Youth Farming Collective); Karen Hutchinson (Albion Hills Community Farm); Yumnah Jafri, MSc in Nutrition candidate (University of Toronto)
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Module 2: Developing an Urban Agriculture Initiative
Identify community needs and opportunities that can be addressed through urban agriculture. Learning includes community consultation strategies, community asset mapping, and the assessment of potential growing sites.
Format/Location: In-Person, Ecosoure Mississauga
Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026 | 10 am to 12 pm
Presenter: Jessey Njau, Zawadi Farm
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Module 3: Urban Food Production Basics
Learn about regenerative and ecological growing practices for supporting plant and soil health, managing pest and weed pressure, and irrigating while conserving water. Explore innovative techniques and alternative growing methods that can make urban agriculture more accessible and adaptable.
Format/Location: In-Person, The Iceland Teaching Garden
Date: Thursday, October 22, 2026 | 10 am to 12 pm
Presenter: Surendra Lawoti, Community Food Access Coordinator (Ecosource)
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Module 4: Crop Planning & Food Production
Learn how to develop a seasonal crop plan for an urban agriculture program. Discuss crop selection based on community needs, cultural preferences, and site conditions.
Format/Location: In-Person, Ecosource Mississauga
Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026 | 10 am to 12 pm
Presenter: Orlando Martín López Gómez, Community Food Growing Senior Manager (FoodShare Toronto)
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Module 5: Community Programming for Urban Agriculture
Learn how land- and food-based programming can be designed to animate urban agriculture projects. Discuss potential barriers and necessary resources for working with different audiences, including youth, seniors, schools, and community organizations. Understand the importance of cultural competency when working in community.
Format/Location: In-Person, Ecosource Mississauga
Date: Thursday, November 5, 2026 | 10 am to 12 pm
Presenter: Kelly Obirikorang
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Module 6: Building Relationships and Community Capacity
Build lasting relationships with participants and partners. Explore effective outreach and communication strategies that support meaningful participation in urban agriculture programs. Learn how to recruit, orient, train, and retain volunteers, and to create opportunities for participants to develop skills, take on greater responsibility, and grow as community leaders.
Format/Location: In-Person, Ecosource Mississauga
Date: Thursday, November 12, 2026 | 10 am to 12 pm
Presenter: Andre Baynes and Mildred Agsaoay (Black Creek Community Farm)
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Module 7: Managing Urban Agriculture Programs
Explore the day-to-day responsibilities involved in operating an urban agriculture program, meeting deliverables, and managing project cycles. Discuss considerations for cultivating inclusive spaces, managing a team, and welcoming the contributions of staff, volunteers and program participants. Learn the value of fostering collaboration and developing partnerships to improve outcomes, maximize program impact, and achieve shared goals. Discuss effective evaluation strategies for measuring outcomes and informing program planning.
Format/Location: In-Person, Ecosource Mississauga
Date: Thursday, November 19, 2026 | 10 am to 12 pm
Presenter: Kat Gibson, Community Gardens Program Manager (Ecosource)
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Module 8: Urban Agriculture Leadership
What does effective leadership look like in community-based urban agriculture? Explore what it takes to steer an urban agriculture initiative strategically, from building governance structures and diversifying funding to writing successful grants. Discuss how to build trust and collaboration with diverse communities, communicate effectively with stakeholders including funders and supporters, and how to build the sustainability and resiliency needed for a project to thrive over the long term.
Format/Location: In-Person, Ecosource Mississauga
Date: Thursday, November 26, 2026 | 10 am to 12 pm
Presenter: Sharita Henry, Director of Programs (Foodshare Toronto)
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We encourage people to join who are:
- Currently involved in garden-based community programming or urban agriculture activities; or
- Connected to a community-serving project or organization and interested in developing their leadership skills in urban agriculture.
Note
- The program is intended for people living or working in Mississauga and are interested in taking a leadership role in urban agriculture projects and initiatives.
- The program does not provide or match participants with growing space or garden plots.
- You do not need to be an experienced leader to participate. This program is designed for people who are interested in building their skills and contributing to urban agriculture in Mississauga. If you are unsure whether the program is a good fit for you, please contact us at urbanag@ecosource.ca.
- Space in this program is limited, and we ask registrants to commit to attending the modules they select. If you are unable to attend, please notify us at least 48 hours in advance. A $25 administration fee may apply if advanced notice of withdrawal or absence is not provided.
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