The New Manager of the Ontario Crops Research Centre – Simcoe
The new manager of the Ontario Crops Research Centre – Simcoe (known locally as the Simcoe Research Station) grew up on a small farm in the Caistor Centre area where his grandparents grew sweet corn and peas. His parents took over but when Torin was still young, they ceased farming and rented out the land, with mom taking a job with CFIA and dad working in horticultural sales.
Young Torin was already interested in farming, and pursued education at the University of Guelph, earning his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 2013 and his Master of Science in Plant Agriculture in 2016. During this time he and his two brothers also operated a small farm operation from the home farm, focusing on leafy greens and selling at farmer’s markets.
Following graduation, Torin took a job with the University of Kwantlen Polytechnic University in British Columbia, with a title of Research Farm Co-ordinator, aimed at developing research for farm sustainability.
He stayed at this position for two years before returning to Ontario where h
e worked in the cannabis industry at a 20-acre facility in the Fonthill area. Here he attained the rank of head grower, responsible for all aspects of plant quality and regulatory compliance. He described that job, “That was a roller coaster.” The company shut down in spring of 2023.
For four months Torin worked at a vegetable greenhouse before applying for and achieving the job at the Simcoe research center.
Torin is, “Excited to work here … lots of change coming … lots of projects.” One such project is to update the greenhouse facilities. At this time Torin is more involved in operating the station than in research but is able to spend some time with researchers. His job gives some space for growth and he is looking forward to the opportunity to be involved in more research in the future. He sees possible expansion opportunities in future demonstrations, practical research trials and possibly tours of the facility. He said he was, “Impressed with the (agricultural) diversity in Norfolk County and industries growing around that diversity. It is a great example of an economic success story.” He looks forward to meeting and hearing from the local agricultural community, including their problems and interests, and to working with different groups.
In his spare time Torin enjoys cycling, hiking, foraging, and gardening, but mostly spending time with family and friends. He says he is, “Always open to a conversation about food and farming.”
The Ontario Crops Research Centre – Simcoe is owned by the Government of Ontario through its agency, the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario, and managed by the University of Guelph through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance.