"This new facility builds on more than a decade of research and hands-on learning in sustainable agriculture at Trent," says Dr. Cathy Bruce, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. "With the development of this tremendous land asset and the support of generous donors through our Momentous Campaign, we are entering a new phase in sustainability research and innovation - positioning Trent to lead in adaptive agriculture practices, soil science, and new carbon capture techniques. It is so exciting to grow the Farm in order to provide students with concrete farming and research experiences and to create a living lab for faculty. Outreach in the region, and beyond, will also feature large in the growing Trent Farm work ahead."
Trent University is enhancing its role in the development of sustainable solutions for Ontario's agriculture sector with the official opening of the Lightbody Drive Shed, the first building at the Trent Farm Research Centre (the Farm).
The Lightbody Drive Shed, named for the late Bob and Margie Lightbody, is the first building on the Farm and provides essential workspace and storage for faculty, students, and community collaborators conducting fieldwork. The Lightbody's were students in Trent's founding class of 1964, were farmers themselves, and made a legacy gift to support the development of this space. The drive shed is a catalyst for Trent to provide regionally relevant insights to farmers and food producers.
Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Canada's and Ontario's economies, yet the sector is at a pivotal moment, facing rapidly changing conditions in climate, policy, talent and resource availability. Approximately 40 percent of farmers are expected to retire in the next 10 years, while demands for locally and sustainably produced food are increasing amid more unpredictable weather and shifting growing conditions. The Farm is helping to address these challenges head-on through practical, place-based research and extensive community collaboration.
"Having local, credible research centres like this means rural communities can access trusted, relevant insights close to home," says the Honourable Lisa Thompson, Ontario's minister of Rural Affairs. "The work being done here at Trent is helping to build resilient communities and strong rural economies, supporting important local jobs and the long-term future of the key sectors that rural communities rely on."
A Living Lab for Agri-food Leaders
Located on 60 acres of land on Trent University's Symons Campus in Peterborough, the Farm was designated as an official research centre in 2024. A key educational facility in the Trent School of the Environment, the Farm is home to a growing number of collaborative research projects and provides critical career opportunities for students - particularly those in Trent's Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems degree program, many of whom are first-generation farmers and agri-food professionals.
Research projects underway at the Farm include:
- Climate and weather monitoring in partnership with Environment and Climate Change Canada
- Natural fertilizer innovation in collaboration with V6 Agronomy, supported by funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council
- Soil carbon sequestration research with the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association, supported by NSERC
- Student-led no-till mulch and luffa production trials supported by the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario
- Indigenous food sovereignty initiatives, pollinator gardens, and food forest installations developed with students and community partners
"The Trent Farm Research Centre is a vital part of our students' learning experience," says Dr. Karen Thompson, director of the Farm and associate professor in the Trent School of the Environment. "Students learn by applying theory and ideas from the classroom here in the field, working directly with faculty, industry, and community collaborators to tackle important challenges to our local, regional, and global food security. The research and teaching conducted here at the Trent Farm is building the capacity of the next generation to lead in agriculture, food systems, and community development."
The Future of the Trent Farm Research Centre
Looking ahead, the Trent Farm Research Centre Master Plan - approved by the University's Board of Governors in June - lays out a long-term vision to develop the land into a world-class site for applied agricultural research, Indigenous knowledge systems, regenerative practices, and community-connected innovation.
Supported through a combination of donor contributions, research grants, and institutional investment, the Trent Farm Research Centre will highlight innovative research led by students and faculty and build momentum for the Farm's future as a hub for learning, collaboration, and sustainability.
About the Momentous Campaign
The $100-million Momentous Campaign is the boldest fundraising initiative in Trent University's history an ambitious call to turn possibility into something momentous. Launched in March 2023, the Campaign supports Trent's vision for the future: where students are empowered to lead with purpose, research drives real-world change, and physical spaces inspire connection, learning, and innovation. Through the Campaign, the University is fundraising for areas such as the Trent Fund to support student wellness, the Trent Lands and Nature Areas, the School of Education, School of Nursing, Faculty of Science, the Colleges of Trent, and the School of Graduate Studies. A key goal is to recruit 500 new monthly donors, thereby building sustainable and reliable support for students, research, and learning environments.
The Trent community and elected officials gathered on August 6 to celebrate the grand opening of the Lightbody Drive Shed at the Trent Farm Research Centre.
