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About OLA

The Ontario Lavender Association (OLA) was created to represent the needs and interests of the Ontario lavender industry. Our mission is to grow a prosperous and vibrant Ontario lavender industry, together.
 
 

Is the Lavender Business for You?

Thinking about starting a lavender business? Be sure to do your research!
  • Lavender does not grow in clay soil. Test your soil first!
  • Have you done a business plan? This is critical before you plant.
  • How many competitors are in your area already?
  • Who will you sell your lavender to? Are you thinking wholesale or retail?
  • How will you differentiate yourself from all the other lavender farms popping up in Ontario?
  • There is very little affordable mechanization for lavender. Are you prepared to do a lot of manual labour?
  • Have you talked to your neighbours about your plans?
  • Are there any zoning bylaws in your area that would impede your plans?

These are just some of the thinks you need to consider before embarking on a major commitment. For assistance with planning a farm business, check out these resources:

Starting a Farm in Ontario - Business Information Bundle for New Farmers
Factsheet – Preparing Business Plans
Guide to Cost of Production Budgeting (not lavender specific)
Factsheet – Developing an Agritourism Operation in Ontario

The OLA has a detailed business plan template available in the Members Only site.

Why Join?

  • A powerful network of growers, processors, suppliers, retailers, craftspeople, business, researchers, academics
  • Education and professional development supplies knowledge regarding propagating and growing lavender
  • A Mentor/Mentee Program
  • A network amongst members for information sharing, research and project collaboration
  • Supports human resource and operation management
  • Encourages public interest in lavender and lavender by-products
  • Promotes and brands through Lavender Ontario
  • Actively advocates for the benefit of lavender industry growth & development and provides access to government
  • Opens access to farm programs funded by the government
  • Supports Agri-tourism
  • Members enjoy a 10% discount on all supplies purchased at Dubois Agrinovation and other suppliers
  • Non-profit

Mentorship Program

Become a Mentee

  • Be assigned a mentor
  • Review existing lavender education material before meeting your mentee
  • Provide volunteer hours of hands-on learning to your mentor

Become a member to find out more!

MEMBERSHIP PAYMENT


Register to become a member

NEW MEMBERS: Please click the button above and fill in the Membership Registration Form, and it will automatically submit to ontariolavenderassociation@gmail.com

EXISTING MEMBERS can send updates to their profile to the email address above as well.

To pay for your annual membership, please pay via PayPal below or send an e-transfer to ontariolavenderassociation@gmail.com with the name you registered under in the notes. After sending the e-transfer, please send a confirmation email to ontariolavenderassociation@gmail.com.

Full Membership 1 Year – $150  (Growers, Primary Processors, Retailers, Artisans)

Please note that the fiscal year is from January 1st to December 31st.
 
 
 
 
Once you have joined as a OLA Member, be sure to join our OLA Member's Only Facebook group!

Become a Member

Interested in growing lavender on a larger scale?
Become a member of the Ontario Lavender Association today!