Our Growers

How long have you been farming?

Our family has been farming for over 60 years and across three generations. It all started when my grandparents, Paul and Mari – Ann, immigrated from the Netherlands in 1960 with a passion for agriculture. They settled in Scotland, Southwestern Ontario, finding fertile soil to begin their own business. From there, my parents, who both grew up farming, started their own company, Brilin Farms.

Why did you choose to become a farmer?

I wanted to be a ginseng farmer because it gave me the opportunity to build on the legacy, impact, and foundation that my grandparents and parents had built here.

My parents started a tobacco farm after immigrating to Canada from the Netherlands and eventually they transitioned to growing ginseng.

Growing up together, being able to farm alongside your great-grandparents, grandparents, and parents; the family unit is something that’s really strong and it’s ingrained in our values and how we were raised. It’s just a great experience to be a part of.

What sustainable practices are you incorporating on the farm?

We participate in a number of sustainable initiatives through the OSCIA (Ontario Soil & Crop Improvement Association). We utilize cover cropping through the On Farm Climate Action Fund, which contributes to a reduction in soil compaction and improves soil structure. We also rotate crops annually and utilize nitrogen management strategies to maximize crop outputs and minimize our environmental footprint.

Additionally, a unique attribute of Brilin Farms is that all our operations are within a 5 km radius, which further minimizes our environmental impact and improves efficiencies on the farm.

How many acres are under your care?

We manage about 70-75 acres of ginseng each year.

How long have you been farming?

My wife and I have been farming since 1987.

Why did you choose ginseng?

It was a very lucrative crop at the time. Tobacco was having trouble and we were looking to diversify, friends and family were involved in it, so it was a good fit.

How long have you been farming?

I’m a fourth-generation farmer and my family has farmed here since 1931. I’ve been farming since 2011.

Why did you choose ginseng?

Ginseng is an interesting crop. We have very sandy soil here in Walsingham and we don’t get a ton of rain – ideal growing conditions for ginseng. We also chose it because it’s a nice rotationary crop. It’s something we could do on a small scale and still be successful.

Do you or your family consume ginseng?

I do. I take ginseng capsules regularly. My family has tried it on occasion — it depends on the product.

How many acres are under your care?

We have a little over 13 acres of ginseng that we grow ourselves. We also manage a few hundred acres of a variety of different grains and tobacco with my family.

How long have you been farming?

I was born and raised on the farm, and have been farming my whole life. My wife and I started growing ginseng in 2015. Before that, I was actively farming with my family.

What do you hope to see as the future of ginseng?

I look forward to the future of ginseng in Ontario. I’m very proud to be a part of the Ontario Ginseng Growers Association. I think it’s very important that we continue to educate locals, not just in Ontario, across the country, on what ginseng is and what benefits it can provide.

Approximately, how many acres are under your care?

In a given year, I manage approximately 250 acres.

How long have you been farming?

I grew up on a family farm. I farmed most of my life, with the exception of my early 20s when I went back to university and worked off the farm for a couple of years, and then came back.

What other crops do you tend to?

In addition to ginseng, I grow asparagus, cucumbers, squash, corn, soybeans, and rye.

How many acres are under your care?

We have about 300 acres.

How long have you been farming?

Self-employed and farming since 1989.

Tell us a bit about your workers.

We have local help for the steady work from early Spring to mid-December. And seasonally, at ginseng harvest time, and for grading and de-budding, we bring in labour contractors, sometimes up to 100 people at a time.

How many acres are under your care?

I’m growing eight acres of ginseng. Started planting in 2017. First ginseng crop was dug in 2021. We also have 12 acres of asparagus and 50 acres of rye.

Is this a family farm?

I’m the fourth generation on the farm. My family is still very involved, they help me out – everywhere! I couldn’t do it without them.

Why did you choose ginseng?

Ginseng is definitely a finicky crop, but having parents who have experience in it was helpful – they could help and advise me. We also still had some equipment. It’s a crop that if you tend to it properly, you’ll get more out of it. You can take pride in the time you put in.

How many acres are under your care?

600 acres including ginseng, corn, beans, rye, pumpkins, and more.

How long have you been farming?

I have been farming for 20 years. I grew up on the farm, making me the fourth generation on this farm. My great-grandpa farmed tobacco, so we were tobacco growers. My grandpa and my dad also grew tobacco. In the mid to late ‘80s, my dad quit growing tobacco and started growing ginseng. And here we are today.

Do you know why your dad wanted to grow ginseng instead?

Tobacco was on the decline in the 80’s and there was a new crop, ginseng, being grown. My dad started with a half acre and never looked back.

How many acres are under your care?

400 acres.

Is this a family farm?

Since 1995. Yes, it is a family farm. It started with my dad and my brothers. My dad bought the farm with his mother, so I guess I’m technically the second generation to farm. Since then, my brothers and I have gone our separate ways, so we have several farms between us. We often help each other out. It’s nice to work together, but we are not in business together.

Why did you choose ginseng?

It’s something I grew up in and I enjoy it. I couldn’t see myself living or doing anything else. It’s part of the culture here of farming – I have strong ties with the land and I just feel close here.

How many acres are under your care?

40+ acres.

How long have you been farming?

I’ve been working on the farm since I was a teen, doing work alongside my father, when he was alive. I think I started when I was 18. I’m 55 now, so I’ve been farming for decades.

Why did you choose to grow ginseng, specifically?

My dad started growing ginseng. I was around 14 when he planted the first crop. He saw it as extra income, in addition to tobacco.

How many acres are under your care?

Approximately how many acres are under your care there?

Is it a family farm?

My mom and my dad started everything. My grandparents also farmed. My brother lives on the farm my grandparents bought back in 1940. I live on one of the first farms my dad bought. My dad has passed away, but my mom is still alive and still living on one of the farms. My oldest daughter and her husband also live on one of our family farms, although they work off-farm. That makes me third generation on this farm and if the kids carry on it’ll be four.