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 FarmersFactsheet – 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
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.Pay/Renew Full Membership
Become a Member
Interested in growing lavender on a larger scale?Become a member of the Ontario Lavender Association today!