Trent Farm Research Centre

Cultivating Agricultural Innovation: The Trent Farm Research Centre

Welcome to the Trent Farm Research Centre (TFRC) – a dynamic living, learning, and research hub committed to advancing small-scale, sustainable agriculture and empowering Ontario's agri-food sector to build a resilient food future.

The global food system faces complex challenges, from widespread malnutrition to soil degradation and a significant labor shortage in agriculture. At TFRC, we believe in a future where food security is ensured, ecosystems thrive, and communities flourish. Through cutting-edge applied research, hands-on experiential learning, and deep community engagement, we are fostering ecological, social, and economic sustainability.

Discover how we are setting the standard for sustainable small-scale agriculture in Ontario.

Advancing Small-Scale Sustainable Agriculture at Trent University

Our Vision

Trent University is expanding research, program offerings, and experiential learning opportunities in small-scale and sustainable farming.

Farm Vision

Trent has set aside three land plots for a sustainable agriculture and research farm, building on the existing small-scale farming activity at Trent, which includes rooftop gardens, an apiary, on-campus gardens, and 11 nature areas. The Trent Research Farm will set the standard for sustainable small-scale agriculture in Ontario.

Why The Research Farm Matters

The Trent Farm Research Centre is strategically addressing the critical challenges facing Canada's agri-food sector.

Digging Deeper

The Trent Farm Research Centre supports fundamental and applied field research, embeds teaching and experiential learning into farm activities, mobilizes knowledge through demonstration, and serves as a focal point for agri-food research and learning in East Central Ontario.

Our work is deeply rooted in the guiding principles of the Trent Lands and Nature Areas Plan (TLNAP), embracing sustainable best practices and community engagement.

What Are We Doing?

The Trent Farm Research Centre is a hub for high-caliber applied research, addressing critical issues in agri-food systems.

Research Farm Centre Key Objectives

Transformative Research for a Sustainable Future. Our interdisciplinary approach integrates expertise from various fields to develop innovative and resilient farming solutions.

Support and expand student and community food and farming initiatives, providing non-formal learning and leadership development opportunities;
Position the Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems (SAFS) program and Trent School of the Environment (TSE) to meet and exceed Strategic Mandate Agreement expectations around innovation in teaching and learning excellence, specifically focused on enhanced opportunities for experiential learning and community engagement;
Nourish – literally and figuratively – community learning connections while developing new micro-credentials, tours, public classes, and on-farm partnerships;
Conduct high caliber applied research; test innovative approaches to sustainable food production; and disseminate this learning through concerted extension work with local farmers;
Provide a focal point with which to attract infrastructure and research funding, as well as top-tier students, staff, and faculty in this rapidly growing field.

Why is the Trent Research Farm Unique in Ontario?

Ensuring sustainability of agriculture through research and innovation

Trent is uniquely positioned to support the agri-food sector and rural communities.

Our focus on small-scale and innovative sustainable approaches to farming meets immediate and growing agriculture needs.

Trent has expertise in plant ecology, agro-ecosystems & soil health; food security & crop yield; carbon tracing & capture; climate impacts & greenhouse gases; microclimates, and biofertilizers.

Supporting the growth of Ontario’s agri-food sector and providing support to farmers

Community-University sharing of regenerative and sustainable practices in this rural region where food security and farming succession planning are growing concerns will serve as a model in Ontario.

Trent has the capacity and relationships to enhance engagement opportunities with the broader agriculture community, and in collaboration with the province.

Expanding agriculture in rural and northern Ontario

With roughly 1,400 acres of land situated on the banks of the Otonabee River, Trent’s Peterborough campus offers a unique rural learning landscape: nature’s living lab, and a whole ecosystem approach to agriculture.

The Trent Farm contributes to the environmental and related technologies hub of the EaRTH District (five collaborative colleges and universities in Ontario, east of the GTA).

The Trent Farm contributes to a rural-north commercialization approach (four northern and rural institution collaboration in Ontario).

Research Farm Site

In the Heart of Peterborough

The Trent Research Farm Centre is situated on approximately 57 acres of existing agricultural land on the urban fringe of the City of Peterborough, approximately half a kilometre from the core of Trent University's Symons campus.

Trent University's Momentous Campaign

At Trent, the fight against climate change begins on campus and extends globally through cutting-edge research, inspired teaching, and bold, community-driven solutions. As a leader in environmental and Indigenous education, Trent equips students and researchers to nurture sustainable land use, develop clean technologies, and protect our water ecosystems. Our living lab campus fuels discovery, while our commitment to nature-inclusive planning models how people and the planet can thrive together.

Support The Trent Farm Research Centre