Meet Andrew + Cassondra
Andrew Alford (the farmer)
Andrew started farming as a volunteer in 2009 at the Guelph Centre for Urban Organic Farming. As he started learning about growing seasonal veggies - everything from preparing the land to selling veggies at the farmers market on the University of Guelph campus - he began to realize how this process of seed-to-plate growing can also grow a community. This inspired Andrew to start interning and working at local farms, and to even start a cycling tour across Eastern Canada to visit 16 cooperative farms between Toronto and Halifax. He came away knowing that these farms are all in community together: farming is a challenging way of life and it takes a community to keep it going. From here Andrew started teaching at Concordia University in Montreal at the City Farm School, educating students and the public how to garden ecologically. Andrew loves being an educator, yet ultimately he knew he wanted to be in a rural setting and operating his own farm business. Family and connection to a few local farmers brought him to the South Georgian Bay area in 2017. When not in the field, Andrew is likely reading about farming, cross-country skiing, or watching The Office.
Cassondra Dillman
Cassondra met Andrew in 2018 and is now the other half of Harvest Moon Farm - the support, creative director, flower designer, preserve maker, weed picker, extra set hands and salesperson at our market stall. She grew up in rural Grey County and as a kid would help her Opa (grandfather) in the garden. Her family often had a few animals for a hobby farm - they even named their pet pig Babe. After university Cassondra spent time traveling, living and working overseas (at an NGO and as a teacher), before moving back to the area. Each place she lives or visits, she’ll certainly be scoping out the farmers market and local food scene! When not helping with HMF, Cassondra works in municipal government and teaches yoga. She also loves cooking and will always be up for chatting recipes and how to use our veg.
Photos by Frances Beatty Photography