Residents in Barrie, Ontario, are keeping an eye on the local harvest season as Barrie Hill Farms prepares to reopen for its asparagus crop. While initial updates earlier this month suggested the farm would remain closed until May, recent reports indicate the crop is progressing, and the farm will announce its opening date shortly.
Located at 2935 Barrie Hill Road in Springwater, just outside of Barrie, the operation is a second-generation family farm. It was originally purchased in 1968 by Adrien and Evelyn Gervais and is now managed by their son, Morris Gervais, and his family. The property has evolved over the decades from its origins as a tobacco farm to a diverse produce operation spanning over 200 acres.
The farm has been producing asparagus since the mid-1980s, primarily growing the highly productive Guelph Millennium variety. To ensure quality and sustainability, the farm maintains Canada GAP certification and follows an integrated pest management approach, which prioritizes non-chemical methods for protecting crops. The farm team, which includes Al Kinsella and Nicole Graham, manages the fields and market operations to bring this seasonal produce to the community.
Beyond its traditional harvests, the farm is recognized for its commitment to innovation. Morris Gervais earned a regional Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence for creating a specialized freezing process that allows the farm to preserve surplus asparagus. Residents interested in the upcoming season are encouraged to watch for official announcements from the farm to confirm when they can visit for fresh, locally grown produce.
