Stratford-produced Farm to Fork returns for third season spotlighting Waterloo Region agriculture

Farm to Fork host and chef Nick Benninger cooks up a meal with fresh, organic vegetables grown onsite at Pfennings Organic Farms near Baden during shooting of the Rogers TV show’s third season. Photo courtesy of Ballinran Entertainment

By Galen Simmons

A Stratford production company is once again shining a spotlight on the people behind Waterloo Region’s agricultural industry with the third season of Farm to Fork.

Produced by Stratford-based Ballinran Entertainment and directed by co-producer Julian Wierzbicki, the television series follows Bruce Hotel chef Nick Benninger as he visits farms and agricultural businesses throughout Waterloo Region, exploring not only where food comes from, but the people and stories behind it. Executive producer Craig Thompson said the show’s success comes from its focus on the human side of farming at a time when more Canadians are thinking carefully about food, its origins and the people producing it.

“Very few people tell the story from the farmer’s perspective,” Thompson said. “It gives the viewer a better understanding of some of the pressures and emotions that go into creating food for our tables. It really is a glimpse into the lives of the people who are behind the food on our grocery-store shelves, on our kitchen tables and in our restaurants.”

Thompson said the Waterloo Region area is uniquely suited for a show like Farm to Fork because of its strong agricultural roots and growing agri-tourism industry.

“We’re in the breadbasket of Ontario,” Thompson said. “Many of the people we profile have these farmgate operations where the public can come in and see the farm or buy some of the products. … Farmers are very entrepreneurial and they have that idea to spread their products more than just in supermarkets, but directly to restaurants and at the farmgate.”

“The show is literally rooted in some of the best soil in the world, nurtured and managed by dedicated artisans who, with pride, skill and experience, bring their incredible food to their neighbours in our community,” added Wierzbicki in a press release issued by Ballinran. “The show starts with the region’s great soil and ends with the incredible people who, with time, effort and pride, provide their neighbours with some of the best produce found anywhere.”

Season three features several Waterloo Region agricultural operations including Eby Manor Farms, organic vegetable producer Pfenning’s Organic Farm near Baden and The Perth Farmhouse, a winery and agri-tourism destination in Perth East near both Wellesley and Wilmot townships.

Thompson said the show has also highlighted a shift within the agricultural industry as younger generations of farmers bring new ideas and business models to family operations.

“The younger generation is not just tilling the soil and cutting the hay,” Thompson said. “They are injecting an entrepreneurial spirit into farming and agriculture, and we’re seeing that all over the place.”

Hosted by Benninger, who Thompson described as a natural storyteller and interviewer, the show aims to connect viewers more closely with local food producers and the passion that drives them.

“These are people who genuinely care about what they do,” Thompson said. “There’s a lot of sacrifice that goes into being a farmer, so you have to love what you do. We hope that love and passion comes across in each episode.”

The series is supported by Explore Waterloo Region, which has partnered with the production for all three seasons as part of its efforts to promote local food and agricultural tourism.

“Farm to Fork beautifully captures the passion, innovation and authenticity of Waterloo Region’s agricultural community,” Explore Waterloo Region CEO Michele Saran said in a press release. “It’s a powerful way to connect residents and visitors alike with the people and places behind our local food story.”

The new season of Farm to Fork is now airing on Rogers TV and is also available online.